Liberal MP Asks Caucus to Seek Trudeau’s Ouster, Denounces ‘Cabal’ Resisting His Resignation

Liberal MP George Chahal in the Skyview Ranch community in Calgary on Jan. 30, 2021. The Canadian Press/Jeff McIntosh

Calgary MP George Chahal has advised the Liberal caucus to set in motion an expedited leadership race to replace Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Chahal sent two letters saying as much on Dec. 27, one to the Liberal caucus and one to the president of the Liberal Party of Canada (LPC). He also posted them on social media.

In his letter to the caucus, he said time is of the essence and that the party has “lost the luxury of time or needless reflection.”

The MP said it was unfortunate that the message Canadians were sending the party with three byelection losses this year was not resonating.

He added that various people had been speaking up about the need for change in leadership, including Sen. Percy Downe and Newfoundland and Labrador MP Ken McDonald. Chahal noted that there were also more than two dozen caucus members who have called for Trudeau’s resignation.

“Any rational individual in a position of leadership would resign. Any group of individuals providing advice based on data and logic would reach the same conclusion,” he said in the letter.

“Prime Minister Justin Trudeau no longer has the support of caucus and to maintain some dignity he should immediately tender his resignation.”

Chahal alleged that “a small cabal have decided to pursue a reckless strategy of mutual assured political destruction.”

“It is clear that the Liberal Party of Canada is not their priority,” he wrote.

Chahal recommended caucus push for an expedited leadership process, saying it would be an opportunity to create new energy, introduce new ideas, and test political candidates.

“I and other caucus members do not support a secret conclave where caucus chooses the new leader,” he wrote.

He said an interim leader should be picked to guide the party through the next 60–75 days.

He addressed Trudeau directly in the closing of the letter.

“Prime Minister, thank you for your service and I wish the very best in your future endeavors. Unfortunately, it has come to this.”

In his letter to the LPC’s president, Sachit Mehra, Chahal said the board needs to create a strategy for a change in leadership.

“It seems clear that the LPC board has the authority, subject to a significant majority of the LPC board being in favour, to vary the governing rules if political circumstances warrant,” he wrote.

Chahal said given the situation the party is facing—a minority government, with all other parties indicating they will vote no confidence, and an election that must be held in 2025—the board needs to create a plan for leadership regardless of Trudeau’s formal resignation.

He wrote it would be politically negligent not to plan for the race, saying Trudeau has lost the confidence of Parliament and the majority of Canadians.

Trudeau’s future has been in question since his deputy PM and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland handed in her resignation on Dec. 16, just hours before she was to deliver a financial update. This was followed by several Liberal MPs publicly calling for Trudeau to resign, as polls show the Liberals trailing in popular support.

Noé Chartier contributed to this report.