Eddie Goldenberg’s call comes as scores of Liberals are asking for Trudeau’s resignation.
OTTAWA — One of Jean Chrétien’s closest advisors is advocating for Justin Trudeau to resign as prime minister in order to focus on a larger cause: national unity.
Eddie Goldenberg, who was a close advisor to Chrétien for many years and held the positions of chief of staff and senior policy advisor during his administration, authored an article titled “Justin Trudeau’s Obligation to Canada” on Friday. In this piece, he contends that a victorious Trudeau could play a significant role in combating separatist movements in Quebec.
“Trudeau could decide to fight the next election, lose, and like the old Roman general, be carried out on his shield. But there is a risk of serious and potentially even fatal consequences for Canada of a decision by Mr. Trudeau to go out on his shield,” wrote Goldenberg, who is now senior advisor at the Global Public Affairs firm in Ottawa.
“The question for the Prime Minister is whether he is more valuable leading the Liberal Party to an almost certain defeat or whether he should do all he can to be in a strong position to be available to take a leading role in speaking up for Canada in a possible Quebec independence referendum,” Goldenberg added.
Canada is anticipating the possibility of a Parti Québécois government within the next two years, along with a third referendum on independence during its initial term. Goldenberg remarked that it is “hard to imagine” that Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre would lead the federalist troops as a non-Quebecer nor are there a lot of “credible federalist spokespersons in Quebec today.”
“Consider the role a Justin Trudeau, who had retired undefeated after more than nine years leading a government, could play in Quebec defending Canadian unity. This Justin Trudeau would have a positive legacy that would be remembered and respected.”
“An undefeated Justin Trudeau could very well be the difference between saving Canada and seeing the breakup of it. This is a most powerful reason for Mr. Trudeau to retire now before it is too late,” Goldenberg wrote.
Trudeau ought to make that decision promptly, he emphasized, further noting that he “does not have time to waste to make a momentous decision that could have profound consequences for national unity, and even some consequences internationally.”
Goldenberg’s appeal for action arises amidst a growing chorus of dissent within the Liberal caucus, where numerous members are urging Prime Minister Trudeau to step down. It is anticipated that some of these individuals will address their concerns directly to the Prime Minister during the upcoming weekly caucus meeting on Wednesday.
Liberal Members of Parliament have voiced their discontent, fearing a significant loss in the forthcoming election under Trudeau’s leadership. They contend that a change in leadership could potentially restore their constituents’ faith in the Liberal Party, offering them another opportunity to govern.
Some have expressed concerns that it may be too late for the party to arrange a leadership convention, a process that generally spans several months. However, Goldenberg has suggested a “bold innovative way” that could allow for the appointment of a new leader in a matter of weeks.
He proposed that Trudeau might first reveal his plans to retire in the coming two to three weeks. The Liberal Party could then arrange for an immediate town hall to highlight leadership candidates, with the caucus subsequently electing an interim leader who would be quickly sworn in as prime minister, following constitutional procedures.
“The Liberal Party Executive could then announce that given parliamentary uncertainty today, a leadership convention would not be held until after the next election. If the new Prime Minister wins the election, the convention would be a formality. If he or she loses, there could be a real contest,” Goldenberg said.
According to Goldenberg, the incoming prime minister will have sufficient time to assemble a new cabinet, outline their own policy agenda, and get ready to initiate an election that provides Canadians, who are not inclined to support either Trudeau or Poilievre, with a “real choice”.
“It would be a whole new ball game and the result would be far from a foregone conclusion,” he said.
