NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh has officially pulled his party out of the supply-and-confidence agreement with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s minority Liberal government, setting the stage for potential political instability. In a video released on social media, Singh announced the decision ahead of the upcoming fall session of Parliament, stating that the Liberals are “too weak” and “too selfish” to fight for the middle class and stop the Conservatives.
Singh said the Liberals have failed Canadians and can no longer be trusted, framing the next election as a choice between his party and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre. Poilievre responded by calling on Singh to join forces and push for a fall election, criticizing Singh for supporting a “costly coalition” that increased taxes and living expenses for Canadians.
The deal, signed in March 2022, was originally set to last until June 2025, and provided stability to the minority government in exchange for the NDP’s support on key votes. With Singh’s withdrawal, the Liberals now face the challenge of seeking support on a case-by-case basis to pass key legislation and avoid a potential election.
Sources within the NDP indicate the decision to end the agreement was made earlier in the summer, well before Poilievre’s recent calls for an election. While the NDP’s move does not guarantee an immediate election, it signals a shift in the political landscape as the party repositions itself ahead of future electoral contests.
In a recent tweet, Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre sharply criticized NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh for what he referred to as a “sellout” deal with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Poilievre accused Singh of abandoning workers by supporting the Liberal government’s policies, which he claims have contributed to skyrocketing costs for housing, food, and fuel, as well as an increase in crime.
Poilievre pointed to the supply-and-confidence agreement Singh signed with Trudeau’s Liberals two years ago, calling it a “costly coalition.” He accused the NDP of enabling Trudeau’s government to increase taxes, particularly the carbon tax, which Poilievre asserts will rise to $0.61 per liter under their plan. Poilievre suggested that this tax hike would force Canadians to rely on food banks and stifle the economy, ultimately resulting in the loss of hundreds of thousands of jobs.
Singh’s promise to be an opposition voice was, according to Poilievre, overshadowed by his actions, which have consistently aligned with Trudeau’s policies. In his tweet, Poilievre urged Singh to clarify his stance on an upcoming non-confidence vote, calling on the NDP to trigger what Poilievre labeled a “carbon tax election.”
The Conservative leader framed the next election as a pivotal moment for Canadians to choose between the NDP-Liberal “costly coalition” that he argues punishes workers and increases living costs or the “common sense” Conservative approach, which would eliminate the carbon tax, address housing affordability, balance the budget, and tackle crime.
As inflation, housing, and the environment continue to dominate political discourse, Poilievre’s message positions the Conservatives as the solution to what he calls the “chaos” resulting from Liberal-NDP policies. Whether these issues will resonate with voters, especially in light of Singh’s support for progressive social policies, remains to be seen as Canada braces for potential political shifts in the months ahead.
The supply-and-confidence deal led to significant policy achievements, including the introduction of a national dental care program, progress on pharmacare, and the passage of important labor protections. However, tensions between the NDP and the Liberals had reportedly been growing, leading to a breakdown in collaboration.
As the political maneuvering unfolds, all eyes are on Parliament’s return and the potential for further developments that could reshape Canada’s federal government.
