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By Liam Verster

Prime Minister's Resignation Reaction

Local MP not pleased with decision to prorogue Parliament

Jan 6, 2025 | 2:47 PM

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced he would resign as PM and leader of the federal Liberals, which sparked a reaction from the local Member of Parliament.

Mel Arnold, the Conservative MP for North Okanagan-Shuswap, issued a statement in response to Trudeau’s resignation announcement Monday, Jan. 6, saying he was displeased with the decision from Governor General Mary Simon to prorogue Parliament until March 24 while the Liberals choose a new leader.

“At a time when Canadians face unprecedented challenges and threats, Trudeau has delayed the return of Parliament by at least eight weeks because of a political crisis within the Liberal party,” Arnold said in his statement.

“Suspending the work Parliament undertakes on behalf of Canadians is not necessary; Trudeau’s political crisis could have been avoided had he and his party listened to Canadians and representatives elected by Canadians who have been calling for Trudeau call a federal election.”

Arnold went on to say that “Trudeau and Liberal MPs have ignored Canadians who are being forced to pay, once again, for failures, corruption, and mismanagement of the Liberal government,” and that Trudeau will remain PM until a new leader is chosen “from the very ranks that have supported and participated in the Liberal scandals and corruption.”

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Arnold added that, while many may have lost trust in the government, he remained committed to working to “bring home Canada’s promise that every hardworking Canadian get a powerful paycheque and pension that buys affordable food and homes on safe streets.”

Arnold’s written statement was provided in response to a request for an interview from Vernon Matters, as his office said he would not be speaking with media Monday.