Here's what Liberal MPs are saying ahead of an expected push to oust Trudeau

As rumours swirl around Parliament Hill about efforts within the Liberal caucus to urge Justin Trudeau to resign as party leader, Liberal MPs are saying publicly that it's still an internalmatter for the party.

Members of Parliament returned to Ottawa on Monday following a week-long pause in theHouse of Commons calendar. The Liberal caucus is set to meet mid-week for the first time since reports of a movement to oust Trudeau wentpublic.

In the halls of Parliament on Monday, some Liberals acknowledged rocky times ahead.

"There's certainly issues that we need to address. We're going to address them in caucus later this week," said Innovation Minister Franois-Philippe Champagne. "I think the best thing we can do now as a team is listen to our colleagues. I think there's a moment for us to listen, to understand the concerns."

Multiple news outlets, including CBC, have reported that some Liberal MPshope topresent a letter to Trudeau, signed by caucus members, calling on him to resign. Last week, multiple sources said at least 20 MPs have signed the document.

Trudeau has repeatedly said he plans to stay on as leader for the next election.

Some Liberal MPs have warned that voters are tuning out Trudeau's message. They point totwo byelection lossesand the party's apparent inability to dig its way out of a 20-point polling deficit.

But other than Charlottetown MP Sean Casey, who already hascalled on Trudeau publicly to step down before the next election, no sitting Liberal would publicly admit to signing the letter Monday.

WATCH: MP Casey says some Liberals are quietly supporting his push to oust Trudeau

MP Sean Casey says some Liberals are privately supporting his bid to have Trudeau quit as leader

7 days ago

Duration 2:52

Charlottetown MP Sean Casey says he's getting private support from several members of the federal Liberal caucus a day after he said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau should step down as leader of the Liberal Party of Canada ahead of the next election.

Quebec City MP Jol Lightbound denied seeing any letterand said he would prefer that the party hold these discussions internally.

He was asked whether he still supportsthe prime minister.

"I have had my share of disagreements with the prime minister over the years, but I have enough respect for him and his function, and the sacrifices that it entails, that I'd rather let him decide for him," said Lightbound.

And as some caucus members try to push Trudeau out, some replacements could be ready to dive in.

On Monday, former B.C. premier Christy Clarkwaded in on social media.

"I am a proud Liberal voter, registered Liberal and former Liberal Premier," she wrote. "The Prime Minister has earned the right to make any decision about his leadership on his own the position of leader is not open."

On a podcast with Liberal MP Nate Erskine-Smith, former governor of the Bank of Canada Mark Carney said that he is "taking steps" towardrunning for elected office.

When asked about caucus unrest, Thunder Bay MP Marcus Powlowski who was an emergency room doctor described the situation with a metaphor.

"If the blood's not squirting on the ceiling, it's not an emergency," he said.

Other Liberal MPs, including Ottawa's Yasir Naqvi, voiced support for Trudeau.

"I support the prime minister. Justin Trudeau is doing some really important hard work when it comes to building the economy and making sure we have a bright future for the economy," he said.

The Liberal caucus is set to meet on Wednesday morning.

WATCH: Champagne calls for 'relentless focus' as pressure mounts on Trudeau

Champagne says relentless focus is the way forward as Trudeau faces leadership challenge

2 days ago

Duration 3:16

Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry Franois-Philippe Champagne says its normal to take time to listen to caucus colleagues before regaining momentum. Some Liberal MPs are expected to present Prime Minister Justin Trudeau with a document asking him to resign as party leader, sources have told CBC News. Champagne says he thinks his colleagues' concerns are coming 'from a good place.