There are moments in Canadian politics when everything changes. You can almost feel it shift in real time. It often starts with a resignation—the resignation that fractures governments, redefines leaders, and dominates headlines.

Think: John Turner splitting from Pierre Trudeau over economic control in '75, Lucien Bouchard abandoning Brian Mulroney over Meech Lake, Chrétien rebelling against Turner, Paul Martin parting ways with Chrétien, and Maxime Bernier walking from Harper.

Today, Chrystia Freeland storming out of Justin Trudeau’s cabinet feels just as seismic. She was his most loyal lieutenant, his Deputy Prime Minister, and Finance Minister. Her exit—on the eve of delivering bad economic news—is as symbolic as it is consequential.

There hasn’t been a resignation of this magnitude in years, perhaps not since Jody Wilson-Raybould broke ranks in the SNC-Lavalin scandal. Freeland’s departure, though, cuts deeper—her sharp words about Trudeau’s "costly gimmicks" and fiscal direction signal a crumbling foundation. It’s not just Freeland leaving; it’s a rejection of his leadership.

These resignations are turning points because they don’t just mark the end of alliances—they herald the collapse of trust, the erosion of control, and the public questioning of whether the leader in question can still govern.

The cracks in Trudeau’s floor are turning into chasms. Events are unfolding too fast for damage control. It feels like the end is rushing toward him—and a federal election may be the only way out.

This will be remembered as one of those days.

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Please enjoy this making-of clip for the December 17, 2024 editorial cartoon. Sound up, please…