Trudeau facing calls to resign after finance minister quits in shocking way

[Simone Del Rosario]

Canada’s finance minister resigned from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s cabinet, lambasting him on her way out. 

In her resignation letter, Chrystia Freeland made clear Donald Trump is who drove them apart.

Charlie Angus, New Democratic Party MP: What the [bleep.] I mean, how does the Prime Minister on the eve of a statement that we’ve been waiting on for months deep-six his finance minister and think things are going to be normal?

Simone Del Rosario: Her resignation is sending shockwaves through Trudeau’s own Liberal Party in Canada, where many are questioning how long he can – or should – hang onto power.

Helena Jaczek, Liberal MP: Let’s put it this way. Firing a minister of finance who has served you extremely well is not what I would call a trustworthy move.”

Francis Drouin, Liberal MP: I’ve been a great defender but I just don’t see how we move forward. I think he needs to go, yeah.

Simone Del Rosario: Chrystia Freeland wrote that President-elect Donald Trump’s tariff policy presents a “grave challenge” to Canada, saying, “The incoming administration in the United States is pursuing a policy of aggressive economic nationalism.” 

His 25% tariff threat is one she says they need to take extremely seriously … and push back against America First.

Trump posted on Truth Social, “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!!!”

Trudeau named Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc as Canada’s new finance minister. Trudeau had taken LeBlanc to Mar-a-Lago to meet and dine with Trump last month. Freeland did not make the trip.

Freeland’s resignation letter reveals that Trudeau told her days ago he no longer wanted her to serve as finance minister, but offered a different cabinet position. She said the only honest and viable path was for her to resign, saying the two found themselves at odds about the best path forward for Canada. 

Trudeau has been Canada’s prime minister since 2015. As leader of the Liberal Party, his popularity has taken serious hits in recent years. 

In a December Ipsos poll, only 23% say Trudeau deserves reelection while 77% say it’s time for a new party to take control. 

Thirty-four percent say Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre is best suited to represent Canada’s interest with a new Trump administration, the highest chunk. Only 22% said the same of Trudeau. 

Reporter: Prime Minister, are you going to remain in office, sir?

Simone Del Rosario: The answer to that becoming more pressing by the day. For SAN, I’m SDR.