Canada in Crisis:Nation Demands an Election Now

Canada in Crisis:Nation Demands an Election Now By Dale Jodoin Canada finds itself at a political crossroads. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has resigned as Liberal leader but remains in office, awaiting the selection of his party’s next leader. In the background, one name looms large—Mark Carney, handpicked by Trudeau to take over. However, a major issue remains: Carney is not an elected MP, and Canadians do not want him as their next leader. This situation creates a constitutional and democratic dilemma. Trudeau, though he has resigned as party leader, must continue serving as Prime Minister until a successor is chosen. The problem? The people do not want Carney, and they do not want the Liberals to choose their next leader behind closed doors. The demand for an immediate general election is growing louder. Trudeau Resigns, But Stays in Power—For Now Despite stepping down as Liberal leader, Trudeau remains Prime Minister in a caretaker role, with full control of the government until an election is called. This means he still wields power, but his authority is weakened as his own party scrambles to find a replacement. Under Canada’s parliamentary system, a Prime Minister cannot simply walk away. There must be a transition of power, either through a leadership race within the party or by calling a general election. Since Trudeau has resigned, the Liberals will eventually choose a new leader, but that does not mean that person automatically becomes Prime Minister. This process typically allows time for leadership campaigns and party votes. However, in this case, Trudeau's preferred successor, Mark Carney, has already been unofficially selected. But with no elected seat, Carney cannot simply walk into the role of Prime Minister. That decision belongs to the people of Canada. Mark Carney: The Leader Nobody Asked For Despite being widely respected in financial circles, Carney lacks democratic legitimacy. Unlike previous Prime Ministers who had served as MPs before taking office, Carney has never been elected by the Canadian people. His only claim to leadership is that Trudeau wants him to take over. This has sparked outrage among voters. Canadians are not willing to accept an unelected leader chosen in the backrooms of the Liberal Party. If Carney truly believes he is the right leader, he must first win a seat in Parliament. But the greater issue is clear: the people do not want another Liberal government at all. Canadians Want an Election, Not a Liberal Replacement While the Liberal Party will eventually select a new leader, that decision should not be made without input from the people. Trudeau’s resignation is a clear sign that the country is demanding change. However, if the Liberals are allowed to install a new leader without holding an election, it would be a direct insult to democracy. Here’s why an immediate election is the only fair option: The Liberals Have Lost Public Trust – Trudeau’s resignation is proof that his leadership has failed. Canadians should have the right to decide if they want the Liberals to remain in power at all. Mark Carney Has No Mandate – Carney is a Trudeau appointee, not a leader chosen by the public. The people must have the right to vote on whether he should lead the country. Canadians Are Tired of Backroom Politics – Letting the Liberal Party decide the next Prime Minister without an election would further damage faith in the political system. What Happens Next? As it stands, Trudeau remains in office as a sitting MP and interim Prime Minister until a new leader is chosen. But even after the Liberals select a leader, they do not have an automatic right to form a government. The Governor General has the power to call a general election if there is enough pressure from the public or Parliament. If the opposition parties and Canadian voters make their voices heard, an election can be forced sooner rather than later. The choice is clear—let the people decide their next government, not the Liberal Party. Trudeau’s resignation signals the end of an era, but the fight for democratic accountability is just beginning. The only legitimate way forward is for Canada to hold an election immediately. The idea of Carney sliding into leadership without voter approval is unacceptable. The people have spoken—they do not want Carney, and they do not want another unelected Liberal government. It’s time for an election. Let Canadians decide their future.