The Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, is currently under increased scrutiny as a result of the recent loss of a seat in Montreal that was previously secure for the ruling Liberal party. As a result, there is increasing anticipation that the push for his departure will intensify.
With the completion of the vote tally in the parliamentary riding of LaSalle-Émard-Verdun, Elections Canada reported that the Bloc Québécois candidate, Louis-Philippe Sauvé, secured a close victory over the Liberal candidate, Laura Palestini, with a margin of 28% compared to 27.2%. There was a 28% margin of victory in this case. Twenty-six point one percent of the total votes cast were cast for the candidate who represented the New Democratic Party (NDP).
It is highly possible that the recent election, which was held with the intention of filling the gap created by a Liberal MP who resigned, will concentrate scrutiny on Trudeau’s political trajectory. This is especially true considering that his popularity has decreased after nearly nine years in office. An election was held in order to replace the void that was left by the legislator who resigned from their position.
Trudeau maintains his position to guide the party into the upcoming election, which is mandated to occur by the conclusion of October 2025. However, a faction of Liberal legislators has diverged from the party line, advocating for a leadership transition.
Alexandra Mendès, a Member of Parliament from the Liberal Party representing a constituency in Québec, indicated last week that a significant number of her constituents expressed a desire for Trudeau to step down.
During the 2021 general election, the Liberal party secured the Montreal seat, achieving 43% of the vote, surpassing the Bloc Québécois at 22% and the NDP at 19%.
Current polling data indicates that the Liberals are projected to experience significant losses in the upcoming federal election against the right-of-centre Conservatives, headed by Pierre Poilievre. A recent Leger poll indicated that public support for the Conservatives stands at 45%, a figure that is infrequently observed on a national scale in Canada, while the Liberals are positioned in second place at 25%.
Trudeau’s approval ratings have declined as constituents face increasing living expenses and a significant housing crisis.
Poilievre has committed to eliminating a federal carbon tax, asserting that it contributes to unaffordability. Additionally, he recently pledged to impose limits on immigration until the housing supply can be adequately increased.
Liberals acknowledge the unfavourable polling data but assert they will intensify their strategies to depict Poilievre as an advocate of the Make America Great Again initiative associated with former US president Donald Trump.Poilievre, an acerbic career politician who often insults his opponents, also says he would defund the CBC, Canada’s national public broadcaster. In April he was ejected from the House of Commons after he called Trudeau “a wacko”.