Liberal MP Chandra Arya’s Scathing Letter Urges Trudeau to Resign, Backs Freeland as Party’s Best Hope

In a bold and unprecedented move, Liberal MP Chandra Arya has publicly called on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to step down as party leader, citing eroding confidence within the Liberal caucus and growing public dissatisfaction. In a letter addressed to the Prime Minister, Arya acknowledged Trudeau’s significant accomplishments since 2015 but argued that his leadership is no longer sustainable in the face of mounting political and economic challenges.

“While I align as a fiscally center-right Liberal and have often disagreed with your more left-leaning positions, I have consistently supported you since last summer, even when some of our colleagues called for your resignation,” Arya wrote. “However, it became apparent today that you no longer hold the confidence of the House of Commons.”

The timing of Arya’s letter coincides with a cascade of political upheaval that has further destabilized Trudeau’s minority government. The resignation of key cabinet ministers, including Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland and Housing Minister Sean Fraser, has shaken the government’s foundation. Freeland’s departure, in particular, has sent shockwaves through the Liberal Party. While her resignation was criticized for its timing, Arya acknowledged her potential as a successor, stating, “Chrystia has emerged as a credible and stable alternative to your leadership.”

Adding to Trudeau’s woes, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh has announced that his party will vote to topple the Liberal government in an upcoming no-confidence motion. “The NDP will no longer support Justin Trudeau’s leadership. Canadians deserve a government that can address the crises they are facing, from the housing shortage to soaring inflation,” Singh said in a press conference earlier this week. With the Bloc Québécois and the Conservatives also signaling their support for the motion, Trudeau’s political future hangs by a thread.

Arya’s letter underscores the urgency of a leadership change, emphasizing Freeland’s qualifications to step into the role. “Her successful track record positions her ideally to address the looming challenges posed by the new U.S. administration,” he wrote, referencing concerns over proposed U.S. tariffs that could severely impact Canada’s economy. Arya praised Freeland’s ability to stand firm against adversaries, describing her leadership style as “an iron fist in a velvet glove.”

The political chaos has been compounded by economic uncertainty. The incoming U.S. administration is reportedly preparing to impose 25% tariffs on Canadian goods, a move that could devastate the economy and lead to skyrocketing unemployment rates. Freeland’s resignation has left a critical void in navigating these challenges, with Dominic LeBlanc now tasked with steering Canada’s economic strategy.

The opposition parties are seizing on Trudeau’s declining approval ratings and the Liberal Party’s internal fractures. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has called for an immediate no-confidence vote, while Singh has urged swift action to address the government’s perceived failures.

Arya’s letter is both a critique of Trudeau’s leadership and a rallying cry for unity within the Liberal Party. He urged his colleagues to back Freeland as the party’s next leader, stating, “Under Chrystia’s leadership, we can preserve your legacy and protect it from being dismantled by the current official opposition.”

With Parliament set to reconvene in January, the Liberal Party faces a make-or-break moment. Whether Trudeau steps aside voluntarily or is forced out through a no-confidence motion, the party must navigate this crisis carefully to retain its credibility and prepare for the possibility of an early election.