A former senior adviser to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau offered a bleak outlook on the world leader’s political future, days after US President-elect Donald Trump floated NHL legend Wayne Gretzky as a possible replacement.
A countdown to Trudeau’s days in office began earlier this month after Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland resigned from his cabinet. On Friday, former Trudeau senior adviser Gerry Butts thought it was “unlikely” Trudeau would lead the Liberal Party in the next election.
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US President Donald Trump (L) talks to Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during the plenary session of the NATO summit at the Grove Hotel in Watford, northeast of London, December 4, 2019. (Nicholas Kamm/AFP via Getty Images)
Butts wrote in a Substack newsletter that Freeland’s resignation was a major blow to the party and could mean Trudeau’s political fate is sealed.
“If, as now expected, Mr. Trudeau’s resignation is imminent, the only way forward is a true leadership race,” Butts wrote, via The Canadian Press.
“If you want to know who can play hockey, have a hockey game. No matter who you think you root for right now, we’ll all have a more experienced view if we see these people in real action.”
Butts served as Trudeau’s chief secretary when he won the election in 2015. His strong words came days after Trump mocked Canada for its political turmoil, and even mentioned Gretzky as a possible replacement for Trudeau.
“I just left Wayne Gretzky, ‘The Great One, as he is known in ice hockey circles.’ I said, ‘Wayne, why don’t you run for Prime Minister of Canada, soon to be known as Governor of Canada? win easily, you wouldn’t even have to campaign,'” Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social.
Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (L) and his Principal Secretary Gerald Butts participate in a meeting with Italy’s Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni (not pictured) on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, April 21, 2017. (REUTERS/Chris Wattie)
WAYNE GRETZKY’S WIFE SHARES TRUMP’S FLOATING NHL LEGEND AS CANADIAN PRIME MINISTER
“I had no interest, but I think the people of Canada should start a WAYNE GRETZKY DRAFT Movement. That would be so much fun to watch!”
Since Freeland’s resignation, Trudeau has faced calls to resign. Trump also weighed in on Freeland’s departure.
“The Great State of Canada is stunned as the Minister of Finance resigns or was fired from her position by Governor Justin Trudeau,” Trump posted on his Truth Social, trolling Trudeau, after previously suggesting that Canada should become the number one state US 51
“Her behavior was totally toxic and not at all conducive to making deals that are good for the very disgruntled citizens of Canada. She will not be missed!!!”
House of Commons Public Accounts Committee Chairman John Williamson said lawmakers will begin meetings on Jan. 7 to consider a vote of no confidence in the Liberal government, according to Reuters. The vote would have to be approved by the House of Commons to defeat the government.
The Canadian Parliament will reconvene on January 27, according to Reuters.
February 8, 2020; Pebble Beach, California: Wayne Gretzky reacts on the second hole during the third round of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am golf tournament at Pebble Beach Golf Links. (Michael Madrid-USA Today Sports)
“It is now clear that the Liberal Government does not have the confidence of Parliament. Conservative, Bloc Quebecois and NDP members, who represent the majority of MPs, have announced that they will vote no confidence in the Liberal Government,” Williamson wrote in his letter.
