By Reeturaj - Dec 17, 2024
Canadian Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland resigns due to disagreements with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's response to US President-elect Donald Trump's tariff threat. Freeland's departure has sparked calls for Trudeau to step down amid concerns about his leadership. The Liberal Party faces internal turmoil following recent election losses and dwindling approval ratings, with the opposition Conservative Party pressing for an early federal election. Trudea's handling of Trump's aggressive economic policies and the prospect of tariffs on Canadian goods have raised doubts about his ability to lead effectively during this challenging period.
Adrian Wyld via Flickr
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Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government is in turmoil following the sudden resignation of Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland. She cited disagreements with Trudeau's approach to addressing the tariff threat posed by US President-elect Donald Trump. Freeland's departure has prompted calls within Trudeau's own Liberal Party for him to step down amid growing concerns about his leadership.
In her resignation letter, Freeland accused Trudeau of prioritizing "costly political gimmicks" over effectively confronting Trump's aggressive economic nationalism. The US president-elect has pledged to impose a 25% levy on imported Canadian goods unless the shared border is made more secure. Critics argue that Trudeau's response to this threat has been inadequate, raising worries about the potential devastating impact of the tariffs on the Canadian economy.
The Liberal Party's troubles were further exacerbated by a recent by-election loss in British Columbia, marking their third defeat this year. The opposition Conservative Party, led by Pierre Poilievre, has capitalized on the government's difficulties, calling for a federal election to be held as soon as possible. Trudeau's approval rating has plummeted from 63% to 28% in recent months, and opinion polls indicate that the Liberals could face a crushing defeat if an election were held today.
Experts suggest that Trudeau's struggles are partly a result of Trump's return to the White House, which has created a rift among US allies, including Canada. Chris Sands, director of the Wilson Center's Canada Institute, posed a critical question: "Do you respond to Trump by pushing back and standing firm, or do you respond by trying to find a way to avoid conflict?" Freeland's resignation has left the government shaken, with many questioning Trudeau's leadership capabilities.
As pressure mounts for Trudeau to resign, the leaders of Canada’s provinces and territories are gathering to address the tariff threat. Ontario Premier Doug Ford characterized the situation in Ottawa as "chaos," promising that the premiers will strive to ensure stability and certainty in Canada. The fate of Trudeau's government is uncertain, with the next federal election scheduled for October at the latest.
