Canada's Justin Trudeau easily survives no-confidence vote but other challenges loom over his govt

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has managed to survive the no-confidence motion against him after his main political rival failed to garner enough support. With this, Trudeau safeguarded the nine-year rule of his Liberal Party, but he is still not free from a different share of challenges.

On Wednesday, the legislators in the Canadian House of Commons voted 211-120 to defeat a motion by the official opposition Conservative Party declaring a lack of confidence in Trudeau’s minority Liberal government. The motion was floated after Trudeau’s popularity within the country took a major hit amid rising inflation and the housing crisis.

The Trudeau administration became even more politically vulnerable this month when the smaller New Democratic Party tore up a 2022 deal to keep him in power until the next election, which is scheduled for 2025. “Today was a good day for the country because I don’t think Canadians want an election,” said Karina Gould, the senior Liberal in charge of government business in the House.

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A government marred with challenges

Despite surviving the vote, a host of other challenges are looming over the Trudeau administration. Shortly after Trudeau survived the no-confidence motion, the leader of the separatist Bloc Québécois warned that his party would work to bring down the government unless it agreed to the bloc’s demand.

The proclamation comes as Trudeau’s Liberals will soon face a second vote on one of its budget measures, which is also a matter of confidence. However, several reports suggested that the Trudeau administration is also likely to survive that. “We are going to work piece of legislation by piece of legislation, issue by issue, negotiating with the different political parties,” Gould told reporters.

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Meanwhile, the Canadian Conservatives have a big lead in the opinion polls ahead of an election, which the Trudeau administration is obligated to call by the end of October 2025. The Conservatives have maintained that the elections should be conducted “as soon as possible” on the grounds that Canadians cannot afford a planned increase in the federal carbon tax.

They also insisted that federal spending and crime have ballooned majorly under the Liberals. “Enough is enough. Costs are up, taxes are up, crime is up and time is up,” the Conservatives said in a statement. While Trudeau acknowledged the public displeasure, he accused the Conservatives of playing politics rather than focusing on what people actually need.

In light of the current political climate, several Canadian polls are suggesting that Trudeau’s party would be in trouble if elections were called now. With opponents demanding polls and allies threatening to withdraw, it can be safe to say that the clock is ticking for the Trudeau government.

With inputs from Reuters.