Liberal caucus remains silent after major by-election defeat for that rocked party

OTTAWA — A Liberal campaign co-chairman insists his caucus is united behind Justin Trudeau, even as most elected Liberals remain silent on the prime minister’s political future.

Canadian media contacted dozens of Liberal MPs following the unexpected loss of a Toronto stronghold in a by-election earlier this week, but only a handful were willing to speak verbally.

All of them, including Manitoba MP and campaign co-chair Terry Duguid, insist the caucus is united behind Trudeau.

Those who want Trudeau to resign won’t say so publicly.

Duguid acknowledges that many MPs are frustrated, but adds that those feelings stem from a struggle to connect with Canadians, not concerns about the prime minister.

While some regional groups have met since Monday, the full group is not scheduled to meet again until a retreat in British Columbia before the House of Commons returns in September.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on June 27, 2024.

The Canadian Press