Another High-Profile Liberal MP Not Running For Re-election Deepens Party Crisis
Marco Mendicino, the Liberal Member of Parliament for Eglinton-Lawrence and a former Cabinet minister, has announced that he will not seek re-election, adding to a growing list of Liberal MPs stepping down as the party faces internal discontent and declining public support. Mendicino made the announcement in a detailed statement reflecting on his political career and the challenges faced by the Liberal government.
“It has been the honor of a lifetime to be the MP for this incredible Toronto riding in Parliament for three consecutive terms, as well as a Minister of two portfolios in the federal Cabinet,” Mendicino said. However, he noted, “This is the right decision, at the right time, for me and my family.”
Mendicino’s decision comes amid mounting challenges for the governing Liberal Party, including pressure on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to resign and bleak polling numbers that show a steep decline in support among key demographics. His announcement offers insights into the party’s internal struggles, as well as his own discontent with its handling of critical issues.
Mendicino, the son of Italian immigrants, first gained the Liberal nomination for Eglinton-Lawrence after a hard-fought campaign in 2015. Despite not being the party’s initial choice for the nomination, he built a grassroots movement that succeeded in unseating a Conservative incumbent.
In his statement, Mendicino highlighted his immigrant background and work ethic as central to his political journey. “I ran hard, knocked on thousands of doors, and built a strong and positive campaign which put people first,” he said.
As part of Trudeau’s Cabinet, Mendicino held key roles, including Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, and later, Minister of Public Safety. His tenure, however, was not without controversy, including criticism over his handling of sensitive files like immigration backlogs and gun control policies.
“Enfeebled”
Mendicino did not shy away from expressing his concerns about the current direction of the Trudeau government, particularly its foreign policy. In a pointed critique, he described Canada’s approach to the Middle East as “inadequate” and “enfeebled,” citing the country’s response to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and relations with Israel. He also reaffirmed his commitment to combating antisemitism, a recurring theme in his career.
“As a matter of principle, I have been consistently outspoken in my condemnation of the unjust targeting of the Jewish community, which is facing a tidal wave of antisemitism,” Mendicino wrote, signaling his frustration with the government’s perceived inaction on critical issues.
This level of candor is rare for a sitting MP, particularly one from the governing party. Political commentator Paul Rhodes noted on X, “Trying to recall the last time a minister, even a departing one, referred to his own government as ‘inadequate’ and ‘enfeebled.’”
While Mendicino is leaving federal politics, his statement suggests he plans to remain active in public service. He expressed a desire to play a role in addressing Toronto’s pressing issues, including public safety, housing affordability, and urban development.
“I am grateful for their encouragement and welcome hearing from more people on how I might best support our hometown,” he said of local leaders who have urged him to stay involved.
Mendicino also reaffirmed his commitment to shaping public policy, particularly on national security and border issues. “I hope to be a thoughtful voice on these issues as navigating them has never been more important to our democracy,” he said.
In closing, Mendicino expressed gratitude to his family, constituents, and colleagues. “Above all, I especially want to thank my family: Diana, Michaela, Gemma, my parents, my siblings, and my closest friends (Go Catfish!). And yes, Georgia, our adorable puppy too! I love you all!”
Liberal Exodus
Mendicino’s departure underscores the larger crisis engulfing the Liberal Party. Internal divisions have grown more pronounced, with regional caucus leaders and backbench MPs calling for Trudeau to step down as leader. A letter from Atlantic Liberal caucus chair Kody Blois, dated December 23, urged Trudeau to resign, warning of looming economic instability and confidence votes that could topple the government.
Polling numbers paint a grim picture for the Liberals. A recent Abacus Data survey showed that party support is tied at 21% with the New Democratic Party, while the opposition Conservatives have surged to 43%. Among millennials, traditionally a stronghold for the Liberals, support has plummeted to a record low of 15%.
This backdrop has prompted several high-profile Liberal MPs to announce their exit from federal politics, including Mendicino. Observers note that the exodus signals a lack of confidence in the party’s electoral prospects as it faces potential defeat in the next general election.
With Mendicino’s departure, the riding of Eglinton-Lawrence—once a Liberal stronghold—will become a key battleground in the next election. For the Liberals, his departure serves as yet another reminder of the uphill battle they face in rebuilding trust and support across the country.
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