Justin Trudeau is 'quite capable' of handling caucus, says MP MacAulay

P.E.I. MP Lawrence MacAulay is expressing support for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who is expected to hear from MPs Wednesday who would like him to step down as Liberal leader, and allow someone else to lead the party into the next election.

MacAulay, who has represented P.E.I. in the cabinet since Trudeau became prime minister in 2015, said before the meeting that he did not know how many MPs are part of the revolt, or what their core issues are. Despite that,he expressed confidence that Trudeau will get through it.

"He's quite capable of handling anybody, and all issues, I'm sure, in caucus," the Cardigan MP told a media scrum after a cabinet meeting Wednesday.

"Has for the last nine years, and I'm sure he will."

CBC News has reported that more than 20 MPs have signed a document committing themselves to trying to force Trudeau out of the party leadership. Those politiciansinclude Charlottetown MP Sean Casey.

Casey was one of the first to go public with a call for Trudeau to resign, saying the prime minister is one of the main topics of conversation for voters in his riding.

"I don't hear that in my riding, but simply all I can report is what I hear from my constituents," said MacAulay.

"Constituents in my riding are quite pleased with the prime minister and all the programs put in place, like the dental program, Child Tax Credit."

When asked if he plans to run in the next federal election MacAulay, who has represented the Cardigan riding since 1988, said he's always prepared for the next election.