Toronto residents unsure if Trudeau resignation will sway voters in longtime Liberal stronghold

While Liberal supporters hope a new leader will give the party a better chance at holding onto power, some residents in urban Toronto — where the Liberals swept all 25 ridings in the 2021 election — are unsure if Justin Trudeau's resignation will be enough to change public opinion. 

At a news conference Monday morning, Trudeau said he would resign from office once a successor is chosen by federal Liberals. Trudeau also said he asked Gov. Gen. Mary Simon to prorogue Parliament until March 24, and she granted the request.

"The thing is, you're just changing the leader. It's not going to change the direction of this government," said Owen Robinson. "I think a lot of Canadians have made it very clear that they want a complete change."

Pamela Madill said she thinks it's going to be hard for the Liberals to turn things around. 

"But I think it's clear that if he remains the leader, we're going to end up with a Conservative government — and that's something I really don't want to see."

Dana Rego said she didn't feel Trudeau had done enough to help those struggling with the cost of living. 

"It's just the fact that most citizens can't afford groceries or rent … the economy's bad and I don't think he's really helping. So it's about time."

WATCH | How Toronto residents reacted to Trudeau's decision to step down: 

Torontonians react to Trudeau’s resignation as Liberal leader

2 days ago

Duration 1:25

In the wake of Justin Trudeau's resignation as Liberal leader, Toronto residents are reflecting on his time in office — and their hopes and concerns for the future of Canada's leadership.

Others were concerned about what Trudeau's exit would mean for the direction of the country. 

"It's just with the world and so much unrest, to have so much political unrest coming to Canada as well, it's a little bit concerning for me," said Donna Drakes. 

Drakes said she felt Trudeau was a great prime minister, but perhaps stayed on "a little too long."

"He's led us through some unusual situations, COVID. I think over the years he's done a great job." 

Toronto MP commends Trudeau's decision

Trudeau's decision comes after at least two dozen MPs, including some in the Greater Toronto Area, called for him to step down in the weeks after Chrystia Freeland, long seen as his top lieutenant, resigned as finance minister and deputy prime minister last month.

Rob Oliphant, the Liberal MP for Don Valley West, was among those MPs. 

He said it was necessary to give the party enough time to find a new leader. 

"He is a fighter. I'm glad that he has fought so hard for Canadians for nine years," Oliphant said. 

"Now it's time for someone else to take that mantle and ensure that Canada stays with a centrist government, with a thoughtful government and with the government that will be for all."

Oliphant said his supporters influenced his decision to make his feelings public. 

"They felt some pressure had to be exerted because they could see an election that would not be be good for their values and their ideals."

WATCH | Liberal MP says party remains 'resilent': 

‘We are a resilient party,’ says Toronto Liberal MP following Trudeau’s resignation

2 days ago

Duration 3:38

Don Valley West MP Rob Oliphant, who has been vocal in calling for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s resignation, says the party will now expedite the process of finding a new leader. CBC’s Chris Glover spoke to him about the challenges that lie ahead for the party as an election looms.

The Liberals won all 25 urban Toronto ridings and managed to hold on to, and even retake, some of the most narrowly contested ridings in the Greater Toronto Area during the 2021 federal election. 

But their foothold in Toronto was shaken this summer after a stunning byelection loss in Toronto-St. Paul's to Conservative Don Stewart. It was the first time a Conservative candidate captured a seat in urban Toronto since the 2011 federal election.

Brian Klunder, who's part of the Liberals' riding association for Toronto-St. Paul's, says he doesn't think the loss is a referendum on Trudeau's nine years of leadership as a whole. 

"We knew we were going to be in a big fight and we're going to have to fight for every vote," he said. 

"But Toronto-St. Paul's is like any other riding in the country. Affordability matters, childcare matters, the environment matters, and if we keep talking about what's important to this community and how Liberals can best represent those values, we can be successful."

It's still unclear if or when a federal election voters could head to the polls in a federal election ahead of the fixed date in October. But both the Conservatives and NDP have said they will introduce a non-confidence motion against the Liberal government when the opportunity arises.