Canada's political crisis worsens as PM Trudeau faces new resignation calls

Toronto

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is facing mounting pressure to resign after Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland unexpectedly stepped down. Her resignation came after disagreements with Trudeau over US President-elect Donald Trump's threat to impose tariffs on Canadian imports. This move deepened the political crisis in Canada, as nearly one-third of the ruling Liberal Party’s MPs have called for leadership change.

Trudeau has yet to decide whether to remain in power or step down. The number of MPs pushing for his resignation has now reached almost 60 out of 153 in the House of Commons. Freeland's departure as both Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister marks the first significant dissent within Trudeau's cabinet, further weakening his hold on power.

Freeland, who had been a key figure in the Trudeau government since 2015, expressed in her resignation letter that she and the Prime Minister had been at odds over how to address Trump’s tariff threats. With Canada's economy closely tied to the US, Freeland warned that the proposed tariffs could escalate into a tariff war and urged the government to remain cautious financially.

Freeland had been crucial in managing Canada’s trade relations, especially during negotiations with the EU and the US.