Defecting MP not a sign of wider unrest in Liberal ranks, politicians say
OTTAWA — Liberal MPs put on a show of unity one day after the defection of a Toronto-area MP to the Tories, saying Leona Alleslev’s decision is not a sign of wider unrest in Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s caucus.
Trudeau and his cabinet ministers have learned the consequences of not listening to backbench MPs, particularly last year when a large number vented frustrations from constituents about proposed changes to small business taxes.
Alleslev claimed Monday that her concerns about the Liberal government’s handling of crucial files were “met with silence” and insisted she had to leave the party to openly criticize its direction.
That may have once been the case, one outspoken Liberal backbencher said Tuesday, but the governing party has come a long way in the past year since the small business tax debacle to ensure backbenchers voices are heard.