Could a Federal Election Be Next?”
In a significant political development, the New Democratic Party (NDP) has pulled out of its confidence and supply agreement with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Liberal government. NDP leader Jagmeet Singh announced the decision on September 4, 2024, signaling a shift in the balance of power and raising the prospect of a potential federal election in the near future.
Singh explained the NDP’s decision as a response to what he described as the Liberal government’s failure to take on corporate greed and prioritize the needs of everyday Canadians. In a video address, Singh stated, “The fact is, the Liberals are too weak, too selfish, and too beholden to corporate interests to fight for people. They cannot stop the Conservatives, but we can.” He highlighted the growing threat posed by Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, who he said would enact cuts to vital social programs.
The NDP-Liberal agreement, established in March 2022, was designed to maintain the stability of Trudeau’s minority government until 2025, in exchange for advancing key NDP priorities such as dental care, pharmacare, and workers’ rights. Over the past two years, the NDP has used the agreement to secure legislative wins, including the implementation of a dental care program for low-income Canadians, child care affordability measures, and protections for workers during strikes or lockouts.
However, Singh and the NDP grew increasingly frustrated with the Liberal government’s inability to address corporate profiteering and the rising cost of living. As Singh emphasized, “Big corporations and wealthy CEOs have had their government. It’s the people’s time.” The NDP will now vote on Liberal legislation on a case-by-case basis, with a key test coming during the fall economic update later this year.
Despite the NDP’s withdrawal, the end of the agreement does not automatically trigger an election. The Liberals will need to navigate future confidence votes carefully, as any failed confidence motion could lead to the dissolution of Parliament and a snap election.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, responding to the development, refrained from commenting on whether an election would occur soon but expressed hope that the NDP would continue to collaborate on key legislation. “I am not focused on politics,” Trudeau said, emphasizing his government’s efforts to address affordability issues for Canadians.
Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre seized the opportunity to criticize Singh, accusing him of staging a media stunt without committing to a clear path forward. Poilievre challenged the NDP leader to support a non-confidence motion at the earliest opportunity, calling the existing collaboration between the two parties a “carbon tax coalition”