NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh anticipates a snap federal election if Mark Carney secures the Liberal Party leadership. Singh expressed skepticism about the government’s commitment to introducing a relief package for workers affected by U.S. tariffs, noting that Parliament has not been recalled to address the issue.
The Liberal Party is currently in the process of selecting a new leader following Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s resignation in January. The leadership election is scheduled for March 9, with candidates including former central bank governor Mark Carney and former finance minister Chrystia Freeland.
Jennifer Howard, the NDP’s national campaign director, has advised candidates and staff to prepare for an election call as early as March 10, one day after the Liberal leadership vote. The NDP has approximately 140 candidates and asserts readiness for an impending campaign.
In anticipation of a potential election, the NDP has pledged to remove the Goods and Services Tax (GST) from essential items such as home heating, cell phone services, grab-and-go grocery items, diapers, and children’s clothing. Singh emphasized the party’s commitment to alleviating financial burdens on Canadians through these measures.