On 20th December (local time), the chief of Canada’s New Democratic Party (NDP) and pro-Khalistani leader Jagmeet Singh announced plans to introduce a motion of no-confidence against Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government in the new year. With this decision, the NDP ended its support for Trudeau’s minority government.
Notably, the shared political priorities between the Liberal Party and the NDP had led to the latter’s support for the Trudeau-led government. However, recent events in Canada’s political landscape have marked a dramatic shift, with the NDP now determined to remove Trudeau.
Justin Trudeau failed in the biggest job a Prime Minister has: to work for people, not the powerful.
— Jagmeet Singh (@theJagmeetSingh) December 20, 2024
The NDP will vote to bring this government down, and give Canadians a chance to vote for a government who will work for them. pic.twitter.com/uqklF6RrUX
Singh shared a letter declaring his plans on the social media platform X. In the letter, he said, “The Liberals don’t deserve another chance. That’s why the NDP will vote to bring this government down and give Canadians a chance to vote for a government who will work for them.” Singh further criticised Trudeau and asserted that the PM has failed to address critical issues such as affordable healthcare, housing, and the cost of living.
Trudeau under pressure after cabinet shake-ups
The past week has been notably troubling for the Trudeau-led Canadian government. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland’s resignation brought significant turmoil for Trudeau. Freeland publicly cited differences between herself and Trudeau over economic strategies, especially regarding the tariff threats posed by the incoming President of the United States, Donald Trump.
In a statement, Freeland accused Trudeau of relying on “costly political gimmicks” and noted that he had not adopted fiscally responsible measures. Following her resignation, reports suggest that at least 19 Liberal MPs have sought Justin Trudeau’s resignation. Toronto MP Robert Oliphant stated in a statement that Trudeau’s leadership has become “a key obstacle” to the success of the Liberal Party in the upcoming general elections scheduled for October 2025.
Jagmeet Singh joined opposition against Justin Trudeau
The Conservatives and Bloc Québécois have now been joined by the NDP in calling for Trudeau’s resignation as Prime Minister. A non-confidence motion, if brought to the table in the Canadian Parliament at the beginning of next year, is most likely to succeed, ensuring the removal of the Trudeau-led Canadian government. Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre and Bloc leader Yves-François Blanchet have also demanded an immediate election, which, in the event of Trudeau’s removal, would become inevitable.
In his statement, Jagmeet Singh doubled down on his opposition and stated, “Justin Trudeau failed in the biggest job a prime minister has: to work for people, not the powerful.” Furthermore, he claimed that his party, the NDP, is the “champion of everyday Canadians” and pledged to fight for free birth control, affordable housing, and dental care. He further warned against the conservative policies of Poilievre, making it clear that while his party will join the opposition to bring down Trudeau, any support for the Conservatives in the upcoming elections is not a possibility.
Trudeau’s uncertain future
There has been no official response to the letter issued by Jagmeet Singh from Justin Trudeau or his office. However, reports suggest that he has told Liberal MPs that he would use the holiday break to reflect on his leadership. Trudeau, in an attempt to address the crisis within the party and the government, has already replaced Freeland and reshuffled the cabinet.
The Canadian Parliament, known as the House of Commons, will resume its operations in late January when the motion of non-confidence is likely to be tabled. If Trudeau fails the motion, general elections will take place in Canada much earlier than the scheduled month of October 2025.
