‘Disappointed’ by reports of caucus revolt against Trudeau, says Trade Minister Ng

Trade Minister Mary Ng is defending Justin Trudeau following reports from CBC and the Toronto Star that the Liberal party caucus is in revolt agains the prime minister.

Trade Minister Mary Ng says she is “disappointed” by media reports of an internal revolt against Prime Minister Justin Trudeau within the Liberal caucus, reiterating her confidence in Trudeau’s leadership.

Media reports, in outlets such as the CBC and the Toronto Star, said a “growing number” of Liberal MPs were mounting efforts to pressure Trudeau to step down. Global News has not independently confirmed those media reports. A CBC report said fears around the Prime Minister’s dwindling popularity accelerated after the Liberals lost a byelection in a Montreal stronghold.

The report, which cited multiple sources, said some MPs are being asked to sign their names on a document which “amounts to a pledge to stand together in calling for Trudeau to resign”.

Mary Ng, who was on her way back from Laos with Trudeau where they were both attending a multilateral summit, spoke to reporters as their plane stopped to refuel in Hawaii.

“I would say that I’m disappointed because Canadians expect us to be focusing on Canadians,” Ng told reporters in Honolulu.

“I’m a Liberal MP and I have full confidence in Justin Trudeau as my leader,” she said.

When asked if Trudeau had enough caucus support to continue as Prime Minister, Ng said, “I would say, yes.”

Ng said there have been “robust conversations” in caucus, adding that having a “range of perspectives from caucus is very healthy and very good.”