Former New Brunswick Liberal Premier Frank McKenna says if he were in Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s shoes, he would resign at this point in his government’s responsibilities.
“That’s what I would do,” McKenna told CTV’s Question Period host Vassie Kapelos in an interview aired Sunday.
“I’m retiring because I think the average lifespan of every item we own, from watches to phones to political language, is 10 years,” he added. “And we’re now seeing incumbency become a major factor in elections in British Columbia, New Brunswick, the United Kingdom, France and Germany.”
Mr. McKenna served as premier of New Brunswick from 1987 to 1997 and as Canada’s ambassador to the United States from 2005 to 2006.
More than 20 Liberal MPs told the prime minister during a lengthy caucus meeting on Wednesday that they wanted him to leave. Sources told CTV News that the prime minister left the meeting by telling MPs he would reflect on their concerns.
Just 18 hours later, Trudeau told reporters he would lead his party into the next election.
“I really respect what members of Congress are going through,” McKenna said. “There’s a real confusion between self-preservation and loyalty.”
McKenna went on to explain what happens between the two emotions.
“They’re observing the cognitive dissonance that they’re experiencing,” he says. “This shows that these are just good people trying to get through a very difficult situation.”
Mr. McKenna also told Mr. Kapelos that he thought Mr. Trudeau’s legacy would be intact if he resigned now.
“If he were to step down like former prime minister (Brian) Mulroney did, he would be highly praised for the accomplishments he had during his time in office, and history would be very kind to him.” he said. Said.
“If things continue like this, it’s going to be a bit of a nuisance,” he added.
McKenna appeared on CTV’s Question Time with former U.S. Ambassador to Canada Bruce Heyman to discuss the impact of the presidential election on U.S.-Canada relations.