Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is navigating one of the most tumultuous weeks of his political career, standing firm against mounting calls for his resignation while his government grapples with deepening internal and external challenges.

The crisis escalated on Thursday when Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, one of Trudeau’s most trusted allies, abruptly resigned mere hours before she was scheduled to deliver an economic statement in Parliament. The unexpected departure sent shockwaves through Ottawa, plunging the ruling Liberal Party into further disarray.

Speaking at the Liberal Party’s annual holiday gathering on Thursday night, Trudeau struck a defiant and optimistic tone despite the political upheaval. Dressed in a dark blue suit, he likened the party’s internal strife to a “family fight” and called on Liberals to remain “audacious” and “ambitious” in addressing the challenges ahead.

“This is not the time to back down,” Trudeau declared, in remarks that many observers interpreted as campaign-oriented. Political analysts noted that Trudeau’s speech included pointed barbs at opposition leader Pierre Poilievre of the Conservative Party, framing the evening more as an election rally than a holiday celebration.

Trudeau’s position is further threatened by the announcement from Jagmeet Singh, leader of the New Democrat Party (NDP), that he plans to introduce a motion to bring down the Liberal government in the new year. With the Liberals relying on NDP support to maintain their minority government, the move makes an election almost inevitable.

Singh’s motion comes amid growing dissatisfaction with Trudeau’s leadership, fueled by economic concerns, recent cabinet reshuffles, and political scandals. Freeland’s resignation has only added to the perception of instability within Trudeau’s government.

Despite the growing pressure, Trudeau’s resolve reflects the political tenacity that has defined his near-decade tenure as prime minister. In 2015, he led the Liberals to a historic victory, lifting the party from third place to a majority government, defying critics who had dismissed him as inexperienced.

Now, as Trudeau faces perhaps the greatest test of his leadership, his willingness to fight on signals a readiness for an electoral battle. With opposition forces gaining momentum and internal divisions threatening party unity, Trudeau’s political future—and that of the Liberal Party—hangs in the balance.