OTTAWA—NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh announced in a social media post on September 4 that he was terminating the supply-and-confidence agreement that has helped provide stability to the current Liberal minority government.
“Justin Trudeau has proven again and again he will always cave to corporate greed. The Liberals have let people down. They don’t deserve another chance from Canadians,” Mr. Singh said in the video. “There is another, even bigger battle ahead. The threat of Pierre Poilievre and Conservative cuts. From workers, from retirees, from young people, from patients, from families—he will cut in order to give more to big corporations and wealthy CEOs.”
The Liberals were caught somewhat off-guard by the announcement as the NDP sent a note to the governing party seven minutes prior to the social media post going live—despite the NDP having planned the move two weeks prior, according to the Prime Minister’s Office.
“These are the things that we’re focused on,” said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau upon learning of the surprise move, adding, “I’ll let others focus on politics. I really hope the NDP stays focused on how we can deliver for Canadians, as we have over the past years, rather than focusing on politics.”
Manitoulin is currently represented by a member of the federal NDP Party. The Expositor reached out to Algoma-Manitioulin-Kapuskasing (AMK) MP Carol Hughes for comment on her leader’s move.
“The agreement was always about getting things done on the issues that concerned Canadians wanted their government to take action on, and to show what a truly progressive party could achieve if given the chance,” noted AMK MP Hughes. “The NDP proved it could be done and we’re very proud of what we achieved, like dental care, pharmacare, investments in affordable housing and co-development of the Urban, Rural and Northern Aboriginal Housing Strategy, anti-scab legislation, implementation of the Canada Disability Benefit, increased Canada Student Loans, affordable child care, to name a few.”
But when it came to remaining in the agreement until it was dated to expire, Ms. Hughes said, “we felt that the deal had run its course and that, while there is still common ground between our parties, we can address challenges on a case-by-case basis.”
Ms. Hughes emphasized that the end of the deal does not mean an election is necessarily imminent. “This does not mean that Parliament is falling,” she said. “It means that the government must work harder to find consensus with parliamentarians to get things done for our constituents. New Democrats are proud of the leadership we have shown in leading the way to help Canadians and hope that, even without an agreement, the government will recognize the need to work with us to continue to advance progressive change to improve the lives of Canadians.”
Nickel Belt MP Marc Serré, whose riding has now expanded to encompass Manitoulin after Ms. Hughes’ riding was eliminated in the redistribution that saw Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing and who will be contesting the seat in the next election cycle (due in 2025, but now possibly taking place earlier should the minority government fall), also weighed in on the question.
“It’s disappointing that the NDP chose to play politics by ending the confidence agreement,” said Mr. Serré. “In these changing times I want to reaffirm my commitment to advancing progressive and positive policies. I’ll keep fighting for real benefits and solutions for the people of Nickel Belt and all Canadians. We must recognize that critical programs like dental care and pharmacare, which were established through this agreement, may now be at risk. These initiatives are making a real difference in the lives of Nickel Belt residents and across Northern Ontario and it would be shame for them to be jeopardized.”
Mr. Serré said that he will remain supportive of the Liberal government’s “consistent plan and proven efforts in driving green economies, creating jobs, building housing, tackling affordability and social challenges all while showcasing the strengths of Northern Ontario regions.”
The MP noted the end of the agreement will make things somewhat more difficult, but he remained hopeful that progress can be made. “The upcoming House of Commons sessions will undoubtedly be challenging,” he said. “We can’t let this situation empower the opposition, who prioritizes political gain over Canadians’ real needs, seeking to cut essential services people rely on. Let’s remember that in 2021, Canadians elected a minority government, signaling a clear desire for parties to cooperate and work together. They want solutions, action and results. I hear from community members who reject American-style politics built on petty arguments, misinformation and personal attacks. I’ll keep working at the grassroots level, collaborating with municipal leaders, Indigenous communities, business groups, and people throughout the riding to ensure their voices are heard.”
Although the end of the agreement does inject a certain amount of uncertainty into the timing of the next federal election, there are a number of factors that could keep the Liberals in power through to 2025.
First off, the NDP (which unlike the other two main federal parties is closely linked to its provincial namesakes), is currently fighting three provincial elections due to go to the ballot box in October—in British Columbia and Nova Scotia on October 19 and Saskatchewan on October 28, stretching resources on the ground in those provinces.
The governing Liberals may also manage to strike deals on a case-by-case basis with the NDP or the other opposition party, the Bloc Quebecois, whose leader Yves-François Blanchet has announced his party has compiled a list of items benefiting Quebec that will guide his party’s response to any confidence motion.
Progressive Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has made it clear that his party will be introducing confidence motions at the earliest convenience to enable a “carbon tax” election. Mr. Poilievre has made it clear his party will revoke the carbon tax imposed by the Liberal government but has not indicated what his party will do in order to meet Canada’s international obligations on climate change.
