Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government was thrown into turmoil Monday after Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland resigned in a letter addressed to the PM, which she posted on social media. By the end of a whirlwind day, a new finance minister was in place, but Trudeau found himself under intense pressure from both within his own Liberal Party and the public calling for his resignation.
For the first time since his deputy prime minister’s resignation, Trudeau made a public appearance, speaking at a Liberal holiday party Monday night.
“It has obviously been an eventful day,” said the prime minister in his opening remarks. “It has not been an easy day… I wake up every single day thinking about how to make this nation work better for all Canadians.”
Trudeau’s remarks on the events of the day were limited to calling it “not an easy day,” before shifting focus to criticize Conservative Leader Poilievre’s vision for the nation and highlight the accomplishments the Liberal Party has made during its nine years in power.
“I cannot emphasize enough just how damn proud I am of what we have done over the past nine years, and it’s because of you,” said the prime minister, as he looked around the room filled with Liberal cabinet members.
The prime minister also took aim at Poilievre, who earlier Monday called for Trudeau to step down.
“You know what Pierre Poilievre would do if he was in power,” said Trudeau. “Behind the little slogan, Pierre Poilievre and the Conservatives, is a vision of the poorest. A vision based on the shortcomings of the services Canadians rely on. He says Canada is broken while actually trying his damnedest to break it.”
The prime minister touched on his love for Canada, and his gratitude for leading the country over the past nine years.
“I love this country. I very much do. There is no place I’d rather be than Canada,” said the prime minister. “Canada is the best country country but its not perfect. That’s why I wake up every single day thinking of how to make this nation work better for all Canadians.
“That mission, to consistently put in the work so that we’re living up to our ideals and values, that’s at the core of what makes us Liberals. And it’s why you show up here, even on the toughest days as a party. You know that the only thing that ultimately matters is fighting like hell every single day to make life better for Canadians, and that’s what you do.”
Prior to speaking at the holiday party, the PM confronted a room of frustrated MPs at a tense, last-minute caucus meeting late Monday, where 15 MPs took the microphone to directly challenge him, according to a report published by CBC News.
Most of the speakers said he has to step down after mismanaging his once-crucial relationship with Freeland, the report states.
Trudeau’s day ended with him facing hecklers while leaving office, keeping a smile on his face while Canadians voiced “You failed Canada, you ruined our country. You’re done.”
‘Her behavior was totally toxic’: Trump takes to social amid tariff wars between U.S., Canada
In her resignation letter, Freeland stood firm on her previous criticism of Trump’s protectionist policies.
“Our country today faces a grave challenge,” Freeland wrote. “The incoming administration in the United States is pursuing a policy of aggressive economic nationalism, including a threat of 25 per cent tariffs.”
Following Freeland’s bombshell announcement, in which she ended her run as deputy prime minister and Trudeau’s trusted right hand, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump took to Truth Social to share his thoughts on the events unfolding to the north.
“The Great State of Canada is stunned as the Finance Minister resigns, or was fired, from her position by Governor Justin Trudeau,” Trump shared late Monday.
“Her behavior was totally toxic and not at all conducive to making deals which are good for the very unhappy citizens of Canada. She will not be missed!!!!”
The Great State of Canada is stunned as the Finance Minister resigns, or was fired, from her position by Governor Justin Trudeau. Her behavior was totally toxic, and not at all conducive to making deals which are good for the very unhappy citizens of Canada. She will not be…
— Donald J. Trump Posts From His Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) December 17, 2024
Freeland and Trump have a tumultuous history. She frequently criticized Trump’s protectionist policies and his hostility toward global institutions, particularly during the contentious renegotiation of NAFA, as reported by Politico.
‘He really believes he’s the king of Canada’: Response to Trudeau’s first public appearance
Canadians wasted no time sharing their thoughts in the comment section, responding passionately to Trudeau’s remarks after a chaotic day in Canadian politics.
“Wow, he’s not going anywhere,” shared one X user. “He really believes he’s the king of Canada.”
“What sort of people like and believe him?” shared another.
Over on Instagram, one commenter typed out “Sadly, Canada cannot say it was a privilege having Trudeau as PM. The destruction of our social and economic stability will be felt for decades. Worst PM in history.”
Commenters appeared to be overwhelmingly over Trudeau’s tenure as the nation’s leader, with one jotting down “We are done with him and he knows it now!”
Some took a softer approach, dropping comments like “Have to admire his gusto to keep going,” but still expressing desire for new leadership by writing “I think strategically it would be best for him to announce that he’ll step down.”
Another fawned over the PM’s speech, typing “This may be the best speech Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has ever given, I trust him, I’ll stand by him because he actually does love Canada and her people.”