In his Christmas speech, Justin Trudeau emphasized "love and kindness" despite calls for his resignation.
Justin Trudeau's Christmas message highlights 'love and kindness' as he faces calls for resignation
Calls for Canada's prime minister to resign intensify as Freeland leaves cabinet
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, in a pre-recorded message, offered Christmas greetings and thanked all essential workers who were on duty so that others could celebrate. "I wish joy to all who celebrate today and comfort to those who are grieving," he said. 1:45
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's annual Christmas message encourages Canadians to be grateful for "all that is good in the world" and checks in with those who haven't had it easy this year.
"As we reflect on the past year and look ahead, let us continue to show love and kindness, to ourselves and to those in need," Trudeau said in a statement accompanying his pre-recorded statement, released Tuesday, as his political future remains uncertain.
He also thanked the "courageous" members of the Canadian Armed Forces, first responders, essential workers and volunteers. Analysis Trudeau shuffles the cards while the nation waits for him to make his decision
The annual message comes during a vulnerable period in his leadership and as the Liberal leader appears to be considering his political future.
In the week that Chrystia Freeland abruptly resigned from Cabinet as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, calls for the Prime Minister's resignation reverberated across the country. To date, 21 Liberal MPs have publicly called on Trudeau to resign.
Cabinet Oath 20241216
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau attends the launch of a Cabinet swearing-in ceremony for Dominic LeBlanc, not pictured, as finance minister at Rideau Hall in Ottawa on December 16. (Justin Tang/The Canadian Press)
At a virtual meeting of the Ontario Liberal caucus on Saturday morning, more than 50 Liberal MPs reached a consensus that Trudeau should step down as party leader, multiple sources told CBC News.
The prime minister has not responded to Canadians about growing calls for him to step down or spoken publicly about Freeland's resignation.
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Trudeau stopped briefly to speak to reporters after a cabinet meeting on Friday.
Describing the meeting as "great," "almost entirely focused on the Canada-U.S. dynamic," he did not answer any questions about the future of his leadership. "We have a lot of work to do and that's what we're focused on," he said. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke to reporters for the first time since his MP Chrystia Freeland resigned on Monday. Trudeau did not take any questions after a cabinet meeting on Friday. 0:24
CBC Poll Tracker suggests the Conservatives are closing in on the Liberals, who are comfortably ahead of the Liberals by more than 23 points.
Read the Prime Minister's full Christmas message below.
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The Prime Minister's Christmas message
"Merry Christmas everyone, it's a special time of year. A time to gather with loved ones, to celebrate the spirit of the season, and to give thanks for all that is good in the world.
"For Christians, it's a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and think about his story of kindness, forgiveness, and faith. The lessons of his life are universal, and they inspire and comfort people every time they're told — and retold.
"For you, the holidays may be a time of big family gatherings and feasts, of gifts and celebrations. But maybe it's a very hard time. If you're feeling sad, anxious or lonely, this can be the most difficult time of the year. It can be even more lonely. So, let's check in on all the people around us who haven't had it easy this year and who probably need us more than we think.
"As we reflect on the past year and look ahead, let's continue to show love and kindness, to ourselves and to those in need." Let's also take a moment to thank those who give so much to make Canada the place we're proud to call home, including the brave members of our Canadian Armed Forces, our dedicated first responders and essential workers, as well as the countless volunteers. . Thank you all.
"I wish joy to all who celebrate today and comfort to those who suffer. Wherever you are, I hope you find light and hope for the coming year. Merry Christmas."
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