Liberal MPs put up united front after contentious caucus meeting

Article content

OTTAWA — They are all smiles.

Liberal MPs had little to say coming out of Wednesday’s hotly anticipated caucus meeting, where those disgruntled about Prime Minister Justin Trudeau were expected to air their grievances with the quickly sinking government.

Striding out of the caucus room on the second floor of the West Block, Trudeau smiled for the cameras, stopping only to say that his party was “strong and united.”

The behind-closed-doors drama was triggered by a letter signed by a number of Liberal MPs, expressing dissatisfaction over Trudeau’s leadership as the government faces record-low approval from voters.

Few believe the letter will amount to much with many observers saying it’s more likely the PM will prorogue Parliament instead of stepping aside — particularly with the Bloc Quebecois’ looming Tuesday deadline to boost seniors’ benefits, lest they join Conservative attempts to topple the minority Liberals via a confidence vote.

Innovation Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne told reporters on the way out of the meeting that it’s important all voices are heard.

“But what really matters at the end is that we come out of that caucus meeting united, with resolve in delivering for Canadian people and resolve in winning the next election,” he said.

Champagne, like others who stopped to speak with reporters, dodged specific questions about what went on during the meeting and how many MPs — if any — spoke out against the PM.

Mississauga–Lakeshore MP Charles Sousa likewise didn’t address specifics, but disputed Conservative allegations that Trudeau was muzzling MPs.

“Those discussions should be had, it’s a big tent,” he said.

“We are not out there to criticize or be fearful of one another. We need to stand strong.”

Government House leader Karina Gould stopped briefly, but provided no information about what happened during the meeting.

“I don’t think we discuss what happens in caucus, but it was a robust conversation,” she told reporters.

RECOMMENDED VIDEO

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

Try refreshing your browser, or
tap here to see other videos from our team.

Play Video

Soraya Martinez Ferrada likewise dodged specific questions, particularly if the party is truly united.

“We’re united in defeating (Pierre) Poilievre in the next campaign,” she said.

Immigration Minister Marc Miller described conversations during the meeting as frank and truthful.

“I think we still have some stuff to sort out, but I think it was a great conversation,” he said.

Facing the lowest approval ratings in this government’s history, the Trudeau Liberals face the very real possibility of being wiped out come the next election with scores of Liberal MPs coming to grips with the fact they could very well lose their seats.

The PM is also dealing with the recent departure of numerous high-profile cabinet ministers, including Pablo Rodriquez, Seamus O’Regan, Dan Vandal and Carla Qualtrough.

bpassifiume@postmedia.com