Prime Minister Justin Trudeau struck a conciliatory and hopeful tone in his annual Christmas message as he faces growing calls to resign and questions about his leadership future.
Trudeau posted a video on Xformerly known as Twitter, on Wednesday morning, wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and urging Canadians to check in on those who may be going through a “very difficult time.”
“This is the time of year to slow down, rest and connect with the people you love most,” Trudeau said.
“It’s a time to put down our phones, put our politics aside, even when that cousin makes it really difficult for us, and focus on what matters.”
Trudeau said that while the holidays are a time of celebration, for people who are grieving, worried or alone, it can be the “most difficult time of the year.”
“So let’s check in on the people in our lives who haven’t had it easy this year and who may be needing us more than we know,” he added.
Trudeau also thanked and paid tribute to first responders, members of the Canadian Armed Forces, health-care workers, essential workers and others who worked over the holidays.
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“You embody what Christmas truly is: giving gifts, food and services to those around us,” he said.
“I wish joy to all those who were celebrating today and comfort to those who are suffering wherever they are. I hope you find light and hope for the coming year. Merry christmas.”
Trudeau headed into the holidays after a chaotic week for the Liberals, which saw Chrystia Freeland resign from the federal cabinet in a surprise announcement on December 16.
Days later, Trudeau reshuffled his cabinet, naming eight new ministers and reassigning four other members of the existing cabinet.
Freeland’s resignation has plunged the government into chaos, as a growing number of Liberal MPs have since publicly called on Trudeau to step aside and make way for a new leader.
Meanwhile, a recent Ipsos poll conducted exclusively for Global News also shows a drop in the popularity of Trudeau and the Liberals.
Nearly three-quarters of Canadians said in the Ipsos poll released Friday that Trudeau should resign, while support for the Liberals is at a near-record low of just 20 per cent.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre also wished Canadians a Merry Christmas and expressed his gratitude to those who “give their Christmas to the service of others.”
“Today we think of Canadians who give up their Christmas in service of others: our emergency services, essential workers and, especially, the brave men and women of our Canadian Armed Forces.” he wrote in a post on X.
New leader of the Democratic Party, Jagmeet Singh shared a video in which he holds his daughter.
He said, “This has been a difficult year and for many families this holiday season and this Christmas, it has been a time where sacrifices have to be made.”
Singh vowed to continue his fight to make life more affordable for Canadians.
“I want you to know that I see you and that I will continue fighting for you.. Fight to make life more affordable, to lower the price of food, to build houses they can afford.”
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