Outspoken Ontario MP quits Liberal caucus over aftermath of newspaper interview
Citing the recent “unintended effects” of a recent Globe & Mail interview she gave about her interactions with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Whitby, Ontario MP Celina Caesar-Chavannes has left the Liberal caucus.
In a message posted to Twitter on Wednesday, Caesar-Chavannes announced that she is leaving the party.
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“The interview I gave last week to the Globe and Mail has had unintended effects on those I care about,” she wrote. “Although that was not the intention, it was the consequence, and I am sorry. I no longer want to distract from the great work my caucus colleagues are doing”
The interview I gave last week to the Globe and Mail has had unintended effects on those I care about. Although that was not the intention, it was the consequence, and I am sorry. I no longer want to distract from the great work my caucus colleagues are doing. Love and hugs, C.
— MP Celina 🇨🇦 (@MPCelina) March 20, 2019
The controversy began when Caesar-Chavannes tweeted out a quote of the Prime Minister discussing the value of compassionate leadership, saying he hoped his caucus and staff feel comfortable coming to him when they have concerns.
“I did come to you recently. Twice. Remember your reactions?” she wrote under the quote.
She elaborated on the post during her interview with the Globe & Mail. According to the article, the problems began when she told Trudeau her plans not to run again in her riding.
“He was yelling. He was yelling that I didn’t appreciate him, that he’d given me so much,” Caesar-Chavannes is quoted saying in the paper.
“I believe real leadership is about listening, learning & compassion…central to my leadership is fostering an environment where my Ministers, caucus & staff feel comfortable coming to me when they have concerns” I did come to you recently. Twice. Remember your reactions?
— MP Celina 🇨🇦 (@MPCelina) March 7, 2019
Her official Liberal Party website has since been taken down.