Freeland says majority of Liberal MPs still back Trudeau amid growing calls for leadership change

Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland says she remains “absolutely confident” that most Liberal MPs continue to support Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, despite mounting internal pressure from some caucus members urging him to step down.

Her comments come ahead of a tense Liberal caucus meeting scheduled for next week in Ottawa, where several MPs are reportedly planning to confront Trudeau about the party’s direction and leadership amid declining public support.

According to multiple media reports, a group of Liberal MPs has been holding private discussions to persuade the prime minister to voluntarily step aside, though there is no formal mechanism within the caucus to force a leadership change.

Freeland said she respects the perspectives and contributions of all caucus members, noting that diversity of opinion is part of any healthy political organization. However, she added that Trudeau continues to have the confidence of the majority, emphasizing that the government remains focused on its policy priorities.

Political observers say the upcoming meeting could prove pivotal for the future direction of the Liberal Party, which faces growing challenges both in Ottawa and across the country, including in key ridings with large South Asian and immigrant communities, such as those in Surrey, Brampton, and Mississauga, where frustration over economic and immigration issues has been mounting.