Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau faced sharp criticism in Parliament on Wednesday, as Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre took aim at the Liberal government’s immigration policy amid the country’s ongoing housing crisis. Trudeau’s attempt to defend his record was met with both laughter in the chamber and ridicule online after he used the term “brokenist” during the debate.
During the heated exchange, Poilievre accused Trudeau of failing to address the housing crisis and claimed the prime minister was too preoccupied with internal party struggles to govern effectively. “He cannot fix what he broke because he’s busy fighting his own caucus,” Poilievre stated. In response, Trudeau defended his government, accusing Poilievre of pushing a negative narrative about the country. “Once again, we see the leader of the Opposition is pushing a ‘brokenist’ vision of Canada,” Trudeau said, only for Poilievre to quickly retort, “‘Brokenist’? It’s not even a word. He’s even breaking the English language.”
The prime minister’s use of the non-existent term “brokenist” sparked a wave of mockery on social media. Users on the platform X (formerly Twitter) quickly seized on the gaffe, turning it into a viral moment. “One more absurd addition to the glossary, compliments of Canada’s lame-duck Prime Minister: brokenist,” one user joked. Others shared clips of Trudeau’s speech, with one person quipping, “Fresh off this caucus meeting, this is the ‘brokenist’ he’s ever been.”
Trudeau is also facing mounting pressure from within his own Liberal Party. Reports emerged Wednesday that over 20 Liberal MPs have signed a letter urging Trudeau to step down ahead of the next federal election, marking a significant challenge to his leadership. The letter signals growing discontent among Liberal lawmakers, some of whom have publicly expressed concerns about the party’s direction under Trudeau.
Despite the internal dissent, Trudeau has previously indicated his intention to run for a fourth term. No Canadian prime minister has secured four consecutive terms in over a century. In response to the internal tensions, Employment Minister Randy Boissonnault downplayed the situation, calling it “palace drama” that detracts from the government’s focus on Canadians. Other Liberals, such as Yvan Baker and Charles Sousa, stopped short of calling for Trudeau’s resignation but acknowledged the ongoing reflection within the party.
The political pressure on Trudeau has intensified following recent defeats in special elections in traditionally Liberal strongholds in Toronto and Montreal, which have raised concerns about the party’s future. Polls show Trudeau’s Liberals trailing the Conservatives, with the latest Nanos survey putting the Conservatives at 38% and the Liberals at 25%. As the federal election could be called any time before October 2025, Trudeau faces a crucial test of his leadership amid growing political and public discontent.
The opposition Bloc Québécois has hinted it could work with the Conservatives and the New Democratic Party (NDP) to force an early election if the government does not meet demands to increase pensions for seniors. Such a move could further destabilize Trudeau’s government, which currently relies on the support of other parties, as the Liberals lack a parliamentary majority.
As political tensions rise, Trudeau’s leadership and the future of the Liberal Party hang in the balance, with both internal and external forces challenging his continued tenure as prime minister.
