Canada’s New Democratic Party (NDP) has officially ended its two-and-a-half-year agreement with Justin Trudeau’s Liberal government, which previously ensured the survival of the minority administration.
In a recent video message, NDP leader Jagmeet Singh announced his decision, criticizing the Liberals as “too weak, too selfish” to effectively advocate for Canadians. The “supply and confidence” deal saw the NDP supporting the Liberals in crucial confidence votes.
While this announcement does not guarantee an oncoming federal election, it raises the possibility of Canadians heading to the polls prior to the scheduled election in October 2025. Singh indicated that a non-confidence vote could be a viable option with each confidence measure. Losing such a vote could ultimately trigger a general election.
“The NDP is ready for an election,” Singh stated. The agreement, which was established in March 2022, had the Liberals vow to address several key priorities of the NDP in parliament.
This arrangement differed from a coalition government, wherein parties share power. The Liberals have governed as a minority party after failing to secure a majority in the last two elections, relying on the NDP for support on confidence votes. In return, the NDP achieved progress on major priorities, including dental benefits for low-income families and a national pharmacare program covering essential medications.
Until recently, Singh and senior NDP members expressed ongoing support for the deal. However, leadership began reassessing the agreement last month following the Liberal cabinet’s actions concerning binding arbitration during a work stoppage by Canada’s major railways.
In his announcement of the deal’s termination, Singh asserted that the Liberals had “let people down” and were unworthy of another chance from the electorate. Trudeau, addressing the media in Newfoundland, expressed confidence in his ability to make parliament function effectively and reiterated his focus on serving Canadians.
Trudeau also expressed hopes that the next election would not occur until the following autumn, allowing more time for his administration to advance its plans. Recent years have seen growing voter discontent over rising inflation and a housing affordability crisis, reflected in polls that show the Liberals trailing significantly behind the opposition Conservatives.
Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre took aim at Singh for his hesitance in committing to a non-confidence vote, labeling the NDP’s announcement a “stunt.” Just last week, Poilievre urged Singh to reconsider his agreement with the Liberals, emphasizing that voters did not elect him to prolong Trudeau’s government.
Trudeau has been in power since 2015, with the Liberal Party winning re-election as a minority government in both 2019 and 2021.
