 "Jagmeet Singh, leader of the left-leaning opposition New Democrats, speaks to reporters about why he suddenly pulled his support for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, weakening the Canadian leader's position and sparking talk of an early election, in Toronto, Canada, on Thursday. Reuters")
The leader of Canada’s New Democratic Party, Jagmeet Singh, announced Friday that he would introduce a motion of no-confidence in Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government when Parliament reconvenes next year.
In an open letter, Singh committed to the move, which could topple Trudeau’s minority Liberal government if opposition parties unite. The government’s defeat would trigger an election, potentially ending Trudeau’s nine-year tenure as prime minister.
Parliament is currently on its winter break, and the motion cannot be formally presented until lawmakers return on January 27.
“We will put forward a clear motion of non-confidence in the next sitting of the House of Commons,” Singh said.
Trudeau, facing mounting pressure after the sudden resignation of his finance minister earlier this week, is expected to reshuffle his cabinet later Friday (December 19). A senior source close to the prime minister said Trudeau plans to use the holiday break to contemplate his political future and is unlikely to make any announcements before January.
Polls over the past 18 months have indicated significant voter fatigue with the Liberals, suggesting the party would face a heavy defeat in an election. While the next federal vote is scheduled by law for late October, Singh’s pledge signals the possibility of an earlier date.
The Liberal Party, holding a minority of seats in the House of Commons, has relied on support from Singh’s New Democrats to govern. Singh’s declaration underscores his party’s dissatisfaction with Trudeau’s leadership.
“The Liberals don’t deserve another chance. That’s why the NDP will vote to bring this government down,” Singh said in his letter.
Singh has criticised Trudeau for being overly influenced by big business, a sentiment he says alienates center-left voters whom both parties seek to attract.