Canada鈥檚 federal political landscape is facing significant changes, at what is likely the worst possible time for an upset.

On Dec. 16, finance minister and deputy prime minister Chrystia Freeland left her cabinet post, hours before she was to deliver the government鈥檚 fall economic statement.

Her resignation pulled no punches as she spoke of her loss of confidence in Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

鈥淭o be effective, a Minister must speak on behalf of the Prime Minister and with his full confidence. In making your decision, you made clear that I no longer credibly enjoy that confidence and possess the authority that comes with it,鈥� her letter stated. 鈥淔or the past number of weeks, you and I have found ourselves at odds about the best path forward for Canada.鈥�

Canada鈥檚 prime ministers seldom if ever enjoy the love and adoration of the country, and in recent years, Trudeau has faced some bitter opposition and even hatred from a segment of the Canadian public. However, Freeland鈥檚 resignation shows a level of rejection of Trudeau from within the Liberal Party.

Political parties in Canada will go through upheavals and leadership crises from time to time, but in this case, the timing could not be worse.

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump will be sworn in on Jan. 20.

In the build-up to his leadership, Trump has said he will impose significant tariffs on Mexico and Canada, the country鈥檚 largest trading partners. Trade with Mexico makes up 16 per cent of the U.S.鈥檚 total international trade, while trade with Canada accounts for 14 per cent.

For Canada, the impact is much greater. Nearly three-quarters of Canada鈥檚 total trade is with the United States. Anything affecting this relationship will have huge ramifications.

Trump鈥檚 comments referring to Canada as an American state and to Trudeau as its governor suggest the relationship between Canada and the United States will be strained rather than amicable.

The changes and the tensions in the Liberal Party 鈥� and by extension in the House of Commons 鈥� are still continuing, and will create a level of unease at the federal government level.

As these tensions play out, it is essential that Canada continues to work to address negotiations with its largest trading partner, in a way that is fair for all concerned.

鈥� Black Press