A New Brunswick Liberal MP who called for Justin Trudeau’s resignation says the party can now focus on rebuilding.
Wayne Long, who represents the riding of Saint John-Rothesay, said it is certainly not a day of celebration.
“It’s certainly a day of reflection, a little bit of sadness. I think it’s sad that we had to get to this point,” Long told our newsroom on Monday following news of Trudeau’s resignation.
“But I do know this. We are much more apt to be competitive in the next election without Justin Trudeau than with him.”
RELATED: Trudeau to step down, Parliament prorogued until March 24
Long, who himself does not plan to reoffer in the next federal election, has been outspoken about the prime minister’s leadership in recent months.
He called for Trudeau’s resignation back in the summer after the Liberals lost the riding of Toronto-St. Paul’s in a byelection.
Long renewed those calls in December after the resignation of two high-profile cabinet ministers, including Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
“The dislike of the prime minister had become personal and people really weren’t listening to our policies and our message anymore,” said the MP.
“So this time, this prorogation will allow us to have an open, transparent, robust leadership contest with an exchange of viewpoints and policies and a plan forward.”
Long said he is positive the party can right the ship and get a new leader in place before parliament resumes in late March.
A non-confidence motion is expected to be introduced once MPs return to Ottawa which, if passed, would trigger an early election.
“Is 70 days tight? Yes. But is it enough time to introduce new leaders with new visions, you know, a new direction for the country and have them introduced to Canadians? Absolutely,” said Long.
