Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is engaged in discussions about his political future following Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland's shocking resignation.
Close confidants are divided over whether he plans to step down early in 2025.
Sources speaking to the Globe and Mail offered conflicting interpretations of Trudeau's view on his leadership, reflecting the turbulent atmosphere in Ottawa since Freeland's departure on Monday.
One confidant who spoke directly with the Prime Minister this week said Trudeau believes his leadership has become unsustainable due to the resignation.
However, another source who also recently discussed the matter with him maintains that the Prime Minister remains determined to weather the political storm.
The crisis deepened after Freeland's resignation letter accused Trudeau of planning political spending maneuvers and lacking the power to handle potential 25% tariffs from the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump.
Since Freeland's departure, at least 18 Liberal MPs have publicly called for Trudeau to step down.
According to one source, Trudeau was prepared to resign on Monday but was persuaded to stay by Immigration Minister Marc Miller and newly appointed Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc, both longtime friends.
The source said Chief of Staff Katie Telford is actively working to shore up support for Trudeau, carefully managing which calls reach him, connecting those encouraging him to stay while screening out those suggesting he should leave.
The political drama is set to continue with a cabinet shuffle scheduled for Friday at Rideau Hall.
The reorganization is expected to involve more than 10 people, including both new appointments and current ministers changing portfolios.
While Trudeau will attend the swearing-in ceremony, he will not be taking questions from the media.
One confidant said Trudeau acknowledged mishandling his conversation with Freeland when he informed her last Friday of plans to replace her with former central banker Mark Carney and move her to a minister without portfolio role overseeing Canada-U.S. relations.
This position would have left Freeland without departmental staff, funding, or statutory authority.
Trudeau wants clear leadership contest rules established before making any announcement.
However, a different source emphasized that most cabinet members continue to support Trudeau, noting that few people have directly suggested his time as leader should end.
This source acknowledged that while significant challenges remain for Trudeau to maintain his position, Friday's cabinet shuffle represents the first step in his strategy to stay as Prime Minister and Liberal Leader.
Both sources agreed that Trudeau plans to use the holiday season to reflect on recent events with his family before making any decisions about his future.
The Liberal Party's constitution provides no specific guidance for handling leadership contests during a minority Parliament.
The rules require that a leadership race cannot begin until 28 days after a leader announces their departure.
A former Liberal Party director told the Globe and Mail that such a contest could span five months, adding that alternatively, the caucus could select an interim leader subject to approval at a party convention.
Three additional sources, including a senior Liberal Party insider who met with Trudeau late this week, said the Prime Minister is deeply contemplating his future but would not make a final decision until early in the new year.
The uncertainty comes as Trudeau fills multiple cabinet vacancies, including the Public Safety portfolio left vacant by LeBlanc's move to Finance, along with positions held by ministers who have either resigned or announced they would not seek re-election.
Several cabinet ministers have launched efforts to convince Trudeau to remain in his role despite mounting pressure for his departure.
The contrasting views from his inner circle highlight the situation's complexity and the difficult choice facing the Prime Minister as he enters what could be the most crucial period of his political career.