Trudeau says he isn't going anywhere: 'We are united'

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OTTAWA — One day after Liberal MPs aired their grievances with the leadership of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, he insists the federal party remains strong and united.

Speaking to reporters at Thursday’s immigration press conference, Trudeau maintained that the party remains steadfast in keeping him on as leader into the next election, using criticism of the opposition Tories to dodge direct questions about his political future.

“Listen, the Liberal Party has always had robust discussions about the best ways to tackle the issues that are facing Canadians,” he said.

“We are united in our desire to prevent Pierre Poilievre from cutting programs and services that Canadians are facing, We’re going to continue to have great discussions about how I can best lead the Liberal party forward with measures that will counter the growing misinformation and disinformation that Mr. Poilievre is putting forward around Canadians.”

Trudeau met with his caucus on Wednesday for a highly anticipated confab where dozens of Liberal MPs aired their concerns over his leadership.

In a letter presented to the prime minister, and signed by at least 24 Liberal MPs, Trudeau was given until next Monday to step down as party leader.

When asked if he would stay on beyond that deadline, Trudeau insisted that he would.

Liberal caucus members were all smiles coming out of Wednesday’s meeting, with those few who spoke with reporters saying the party is united behind Trudeau.

Many MPs used words and phrases like “frank” and “robust” during interviews.

“Unlike the Conservative Party of Canada, we have robust conversations within our ranks about the best way to move forward,” Trudeau said in response to another question.

“We’re going to continue having great conversations about what is the best way to take on Pierre Poilievre in the next election, but that’ll happen with me, as leader, going into the next election.”

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