NDP withdraws support, setback for Trudeau’s government
NDP ends alliance, Trudeau's Liberals lose majority in House of Commons
The Government of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau faced a significant setback on Wednesday. The New Democratic Party (NDP) withdrew its support, ending an agreement established in March 2022.
NDP leader Jagmeet Singh announced in a video message that he informed Trudeau of his decision to terminate the Supply and Confidence Agreement.
This development relegates Trudeau’s ruling Liberal Party to a minority government as the House of Commons prepares to reconvene later this month. The opposition Conservatives indicated plans to introduce a no-confidence motion against the government.
While the next federal election is set for October 2025, a loss of confidence in the House could lead to early elections.
The NDP declared they are prepared for an election and will consider voting no-confidence on each confidence measure. Trudeau was already under immense political pressure. A survey released on Wednesday revealed that the Conservatives, led by Pierre Poilievre, are ahead of the Liberals by 22 points, with 43% support compared to the Liberals’ 21%.
The NDP has also faced consequences for its alliance with Trudeau. The Angus Reid Institute reported that Jagmeet Singh’s popularity has decreased over the past two years, partly due to his association with the unpopular Trudeau. Singh’s favourability has dropped across all demographics by 10 points overall.
Trudeau Loses Deal With NDP, Raising Odds of an Early Election https://t.co/ndYlUjYxmu
— Bloomberg (@business) September 4, 2024
In his message, Singh stated, “Canadians are fighting a battle for the future of the middle class. Justin Trudeau has repeatedly shown he will capitulate to corporate greed. The Liberals have disappointed the people and don’t deserve another chance.”
The Liberals hold 158 seats in the 338-member House. With the NDP’s 25 MPs, they previously enjoyed a comfortable majority. This majority will disappear when the House reconvenes on September 16.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Reuters reports that Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau faces a significant setback after the New Democratic Party unexpectedly withdraws its support, affecting his ability to pass budgets and survive confidence votes. (read more)
- South China Morning Post reports on Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s weakening position after his key ally, NDP leader Jagmeet Singh, withdrew support, leaving Trudeau reliant on other opposition legislators to pass budgets and survive confidence votes. (read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why did the NDP withdraw support from Trudeau’s government?
NDP leader Jagmeet Singh felt Trudeau’s government repeatedly caved to corporate greed and let people down.
What does the NDP withdrawing support mean for Trudeau’s government?
Trudeau’s Liberal Party will return to minority status in the House of Commons.
When is the next session of the House of Commons scheduled to begin?
The next session of the House of Commons is scheduled to begin on September 16.
What are the Conservatives planning after the NDP’s withdrawal of support?
The Conservatives plan to bring forth a no-confidence motion against Trudeau’s government.
How has the support for the NDP affected Jagmeet Singh’s popularity?
Jagmeet Singh’s popularity has declined across all demographics and by 10 points overall.
