Voting to topple the government not out of the question, says Liberal MP Ken McDonald

A Liberal Newfoundland and Labrador MP who has signed a letter calling on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to resign says going against the government on a non-confidence vote isn't out of the realm of possibility.

Ken McDonald is one of a reported 24 MPs who signed the document calling for Trudeau's resignation, following a sharp drop in leader and party popularity.

The letter was presented to Trudeau at the party's national caucus meeting on Wednesday.

"I think caucus is nervous because of the polling that's been constantly going down," McDonald told reporters in Ottawa on Wednesday. 

"[Trudeau] has to start listening. Listening to the people."

McDonald said he and others who signed the letter have discussed voting against the government if there's another non-confidence vote, but it would depend on how Trudeau responds to Wednesday's meeting. 

"If the Prime Minister doesn't respond in some way … what happens when the next confidence vote comes before the House of Commons? Are we going to stand and vote with non-confidence, or are we going to stand and vote with the government? So maybe how the Prime Minister responds to this letter [Wednesday] might give some indication," he said.

Trudeau did respond on Wednesday, saying the Liberal party is "strong and united."

Asked before the meeting if disgruntled MPs would consider voting against government bills to make a statement, McDonald said his decision would depend on the substance of the bill.

McDonald isn't a stranger to voting against Liberal bills, notably voting with the Conservatives on a non-binding motion to repeal the carbon tax on multiple occasions.

McDonald has also announced he won't be seeking re-election federally, but did say there has been discussion around running provincially in Newfoundland and Labrador, where the governing Liberals have taken steps to distance themselves from their federal colleagues.

Premier Andrew Furey has opted for mainly white logos, with "Team Furey" branding. He has also been a vocal opponent of Trudeau and the carbon tax. 

McDonald acknowledged an early end to Trudeau's term would spell an early end to his own career in federal politics.

"If that election comes sooner rather than later, I'll be done in Ottawa sooner rather than later," McDonald said.

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