Quebec party seeks to oust Trudeau’s minority government
Bloc Québécois targets Trudeau over old-age security policy
On Tuesday, a nationalist party from Quebec declared its intention to collaborate with opposition parties to oust Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s minority government in Canada. The Liberals, led by Trudeau, hold 153 out of 338 seats in Parliament and depend on other parties for passing legislation. As the election nears, Trudeau trails behind the Conservatives in various polls.
Yves-François Blanchet, leader of the Bloc Québécois, announced that Trudeau’s “days are numbered” after the Liberals declined to increase old-age security for seniors, as he demanded. However, the Bloc requires backing from the New Democratic Party (NDP) and the Conservatives to proceed with their plans.
The Conservatives have already advocated for an early election. Trudeau’s government has survived two non-confidence votes initiated by the Conservatives this autumn, with both the Bloc and NDP previously rejecting Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre’s efforts to force an early election. The Bloc has now decided to introduce a motion.
YIKES 🇨🇦 “We are negotiating with opposition parties in order to have the government (TRUDEAU) to FALL," says Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet pic.twitter.com/DQPcCHHyHZ
— Melissa 🇨🇦 (@MelissaLMRogers) October 29, 2024
Trudeau’s continued leadership depends significantly on the support of pro-Khalistani parties. The NDP has supported Trudeau’s government, though their leader, Jagmeet Singh, recently indicated they would assess support on an individual issue basis. Singh clarified last week that his party would not use its sole opposition day this autumn to propose a non-confidence motion, instead prioritising abortion access.
Government House Leader Karina Gould mentioned that there is “always a way forward”. Public Services Minister Jean-Yves Duclos dismissed the Bloc’s ultimatum as “artificial” and expressed that the Liberals will continue collaborating with other parties to sustain the minority Parliament. Duclos added that “the lines of communication are open and will remain open”.
Trudeau has confirmed his intention to lead the Liberals in the forthcoming election, anticipated between this autumn and October 2025, aiming for a fourth term. If successful, he would be the first Canadian prime minister in over a century to achieve a fourth consecutive term.
What Other Media Are Saying
- CTV News: Justin Trudeau faces mounting pressure from Liberal MPs and the Bloc Québécois over leadership and legislative deadlines, amidst dismal approval ratings and byelection losses.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why does the Bloc Québécois want to oust Trudeau’s government?
The Bloc is dissatisfied with Trudeau for not increasing old-age security for seniors.
How many seats do the Liberals currently hold in Parliament?
The Liberals hold 153 out of 338 seats in Parliament.
What is Trudeau’s plan regarding the upcoming election?
Trudeau plans to lead the Liberals in the next election, aiming for a fourth term.
What is the stance of the NDP regarding Trudeau’s government?
The NDP supports Trudeau’s government but will assess support on an individual issue basis.
How has the government responded to the Bloc’s ultimatum?
The government dismissed it as ‘artificial’ and emphasized ongoing collaboration with other parties.
