Canadian Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre has announced plans for a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Liberal government, seeking support from New Democratic Party (NDP) leader Jagmeet Singh to trigger an election.
Canadian Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre has taken aim at Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Liberal government, announcing plans for a no-confidence motion in hopes of bringing it down. Poilievre called on NDP leader Jagmeet Singh to support the motion, potentially leading to an election.
During a news conference in Ottawa, Poilievre urged Singh to make a decision, stating, "Will Jagmeet Singh sell out Canadians again?" He emphasized the need for action, saying, "It's put up or shut up time for the NDP."
Poilievre Plans No-Confidence Motion Against Trudeau Government, Calls on NDP for Support
Singh declined to commit to supporting the Conservative motion, highlighting the NDP's approach to each vote on its own merit. He explained, "I've said on any vote we will look at the vote and we'll make our decision. We'll make a determination of what is in the best interests of Canadians." Singh dismissed Poilievre's request for an immediate answer ahead of two byelections Monday.
Last week, the NDP withdrew from a supply-and-confidence agreement with Trudeau's government, which had provided stability to the minority Liberal government in power. The deal involved NDP support for the government on no-confidence votes in exchange for progress on shared priorities. However, the NDP's decision has returned the government to a standard minority status.
Poilievre Plans No-Confidence Motion Against Trudeau Government, Calls on NDP for Support
The next federal election in Canada is scheduled for October 2025. The Liberal Party currently holds 154 seats in the 338-seat Canadian House of Commons, while the Conservatives hold 119 and the NDP has 24. The Bloc Québécois, representing Quebec's sovereignty, has 32 seats.
Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-Francois Blanchet indicated his party's willingness to support the Liberal government on issues such as increased support for seniors and granting Quebec greater autonomy in immigration matters.
Recent polls suggest the Conservatives are leading the Liberals, with the NDP trailing. Trudeau faces low popularity among voters.
Addressing the media, Trudeau acknowledged the diverse perspectives within the Liberal Party and emphasized the government's focus on supporting Canadians. He mentioned initiatives such as dental care for seniors and childcare. Trudeau also discussed his appointment of Mark Carney, former governor of the Bank of England and Bank of Canada, to lead a task force on economic growth, despite Poilievre's criticism of Carney as an unelected "phantom finance minister."
Trudeau acknowledged the significance of upcoming byelections in Montreal and Winnipeg, stating that they provide opportunities for voters to express their concerns and aspirations for the future. Poilievre has framed these byelections as a referendum on Trudeau's leadership.
