Former B.C. premier Christy Clark interested in replacing Trudeau if PM steps down

As Prime Minister Justin Trudeau faces a rebellion from his own Liberal MPs in caucus this week, former B.C. premier Christy Clark is suggesting she would be interested in replacing him, should Trudeau decide to step down.

In a statement sent to Radio-Canada in French, Clark wrote that she was open to returning to public life and "would like to be part of the discussion about the future direction of the Liberal Party and the country."

Clark, 58, who served as premier from 2011-17, also wrote that "Canadians are tired of politicians who think that fear mongering and divisiveness will win an election and gain power."

She added, "They also understand that polarized political views are standing in the way of the solutions we need."

According to Clark, voters want leaders "who will unite our country with practical solutions to the tough challenges we face," including "the cost of living, the housing crisis, the need to strengthen our health-care system and the importance of fighting climate change."

"Because our country and its future are important to me, I have never closed the door to the possibility of one day returning to political life," Clark wrote.

In her statement, the former Liberal premier expressed an interest in leading the federal party but also wrote that the position "is not going to be vacant in the near future."

Clark's comments come as Trudeau prepares for a heated meeting with his caucus on Wednesday. Some MPs are being asked to sign their names to what amounts to a pledge to stand together in calling for the prime minister to resign, multiple sources have told CBC News.

Over the last two years, Clark has been outspoken in calling for Trudeau to step down as Liberal leader.

In March 2022, on the popular podcast Curse of Politics, she said that "Justin Trudeau is tired and complacent."

"I don't think Trudeau is an asset to the Liberals, I think he's a gift to Poilievre," she said, referring to Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre. She added that Trudeau has exacerbated divisions between Quebec and Western Canada "for political reasons," while Canada "needs politicians who will bridge this gap."

After the Liberals suffered a stunning byelection defeat in the riding of Toronto-St. Paul's in June, Clark suggested MPs begin having private conversations with Trudeau about the party's election prospects if he stays on.

"I think the leader needs to be replaced," she told the Globe and Mail. "I think it's time for him to move to other, fairer pastures."

Clark has been taking French lessons for several months, according to a source close to her who spoke to Radio-Canada.