A top Canadian resigns; Trudeau tenure in doubt

Michael Pitfield, clerk of the Privy Council and Canada's top civil servant, who is a close confidant of Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, announced his resignation, sparking speculation that the Canadian leader might also step down soon.

Political commentators have always said Mr. Pitfield would have to go first if Prime Minister Trudeau decided to resign after almost 14 years at the helm. On the agenda at a forthcoming policy convention of the Liberal Party are two demands for the party to hold a leadership race.