Calls are growing from within the Liberal caucus for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to step down as party leader — and some have pegged Chrystia Freeland as their choice to replace him.

The news shocked cabinet and caucus colleagues, senior Finance Department officials and the Prime Minister’s Office, and caused chaos among the Liberal ranks.

OTTAWA, Dec 17 (Reuters) - Canadian Liberal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is under increasing pressure to quit after Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland resigned over a policy clash on Monday, setting up one of the worst crises of his nine years in power.