Liberal MP resigns from caucus amid SNC controversy

WHITBY (NEWS 1130) – Toronto-area MP Celina Caesar-Chavannes says she will sit as an independent, after previously saying she would not seek re-election in her Whitby riding.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau confirmed her departure as he entered question period on Wednesday.

“I have just been notified by my office that Celina Caesar-Chavannes has decided to sit as an independent,” Trudeau said. “I want to thank her for her service to the Liberal party and to her constituents and wish her the best in her continued service.”

Caesar-Chavannes, an outspoken MP, had recently been questioning the leadership style of the prime minister and told the Globe and Mail there was a phone conversation in which she claims Trudeau was aggressive.

The PMO has said the discussions were frank, but deny there was any hostility.

In a tweet, Caesar-Chavannes says that interview has had unintended effects.

“I no longer want to distract from the great work my caucus colleagues are doing,” she added.

Conservative Candice Bergen has pounced on the news, claiming the prime minister is a fake feminist. “It speaks volumes — and not at at all in a positive way.”

Caesar-Chavannes has also tweeted support for Jody Wilson-Raybould and Jane Philpott, the two MPs who had quit cabinet over the SNC-Lavalin affair.

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