Liberal MP calls for Trudeau's resignation amid polling woes, strained India ties

Liberal backbencher Sean Casey has called for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to resign, citing growing dissatisfaction within the party. In an exclusive interview with CBC News Network, Casey said that voters in his Charlottetown riding have lost faith in Trudeau's leadership. “The message that I’ve been getting loud and clear is that it’s time for [Trudeau] to go. And I agree. People have had enough,” he told host David Cochrane.

Casey is the first MP to publicly demand Trudeau's resignation as reports emerge of behind-the-scenes efforts by other Liberal MPs to oust him. Discontent within the party has intensified in the wake of recent polling data showing that Trudeau’s popularity is at an all-time low. An Ipsos poll revealed only 28% of Canadians believe he deserves re-election, with just 26% prepared to vote for the Liberals, leaving the party in a difficult position as the next federal election looms.

Some MPs are being asked to sign a pledge demanding Trudeau's resignation, with at least 20 already on board. Sources, speaking anonymously to CBC News, noted a “high level of anxiety” within the Liberal caucus about Trudeau’s leadership. Casey mentioned he hasn't seen the document himself.

"I would say it's wider than meets the eye. There are a lot of people who have concerns," Casey said.

The timing of Casey’s comments comes as Trudeau faces anti-incumbency pressure amid strained diplomatic relations with India. Tensions between India and Canada have escalated since the killing of Nijjar outside a Sikh temple in Surrey, British Columbia, in June 2023. India had designated Nijjar a terrorist in 2020, alleging his involvement in extremist activities. In response to Ottawa's accusations, New Delhi firmly rejected the claims and expelled six Canadian diplomats.

Ministry of external affairs (MEA) released a scathing statement, accusing Trudeau of exploiting the situation for political gains. “Prime Minister Trudeau’s hostility to India has long been evident. His government’s interference in Indian internal politics and pandering to separatist agendas has strained relations for narrow political gains,” the statement read. The MEA also noted that these accusations surfaced just as Trudeau was set to appear before a commission investigating foreign interference in Canadian politics.

In response, Trudeau has defended his government's actions, saying that Canada would "stand firm for the safety of all citizens." During a press conference, he dismissed concerns over internal party disputes, saying, "There will be time to talk about internal party intrigue at another moment. Right now, this government is focused on standing up for Canada’s sovereignty.”