PM facing decision of his political life

Trudeau weighing next moves in secrecy, with even cabinet ministers unsure what he's thinking

- TONDA MACCHARLES

This is a moment of reckoning for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

The question of whether to stay or go, or to deliver some other kind of dramatic change the Liberal caucus is clamouring for, is one of the most sensitive and solitary exercises a prime minister can undertake.

Sometimes the moment arrives when bitter internal rivalries pusha leader out, as happened to Jean Chrétien. Sometimes it comes on the night of a general election defeat, as it did for Paul Martin and Stephen Harper.

Sometimes it is imposed on a prime minister by devastating poll results, as it was for Brian Mulroney, or as in Trudeau's case now, by dint of a brutal byelection loss that telegraphs future trouble for his party.

However it arrives, it is a decision laden with political and policy implications. At the same time, it is deeply personal and is contemplated in privacy if not secrecy, in large part due to the nature of the job.

Most cabinet ministers would not be in the loop, and sources who spoke to the Star said Trudeau has not shown them his cards.

That makes sense, said several sources, including current and former government officials, all of whom spoke to the Star on condition they not be identified in order to speak frankly.

One said it is "very difficult to have candid conversations with anyone" in cabinet or caucus about it, not just because he might want the element of surprise, but because the prime minister would rightly fear immediate leaks.

If Trudeau doesn't choose a major cabinet shuffle or staff shakeup at the Prime Minister's Office or Liberal party headquarters, and opts instead for his own departure, his intention would likely only be known to a couple of people, most suggested.

Unlike the choice to run for party leadership, when a politician must consult widely, cajole support, and call on friends to commit their energies, ideas and money to campaigning, another source said, "Leaving is a solitary act."