Trudeau Survives No-Confidence Motion
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau successfully survived a no-confidence motion in parliament on Wednesday, preventing his government from being toppled and an election from being triggered. This is the first in a series of similar motions expected from the opposition Conservative Party as Trudeau’s approval ratings plummet.
Opposition Falls Short
Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre failed to gain the necessary support from the New Democratic Party (NDP) and the Bloc Québécois to pass the motion. Trudeau, who has been in power for nine years, is currently leading a minority government. Despite this setback, the Conservative Party plans to bring forward at least two more no-confidence votes on Thursday.
Declining Approval and Political Pressure
Trudeau has faced growing calls to step down, with his approval rating dropping from 63% at the time of his first election to just 28% in June. Rising concerns about housing affordability and the cost of living have contributed to his party’s losses in key by-elections in Toronto and Montreal.
NDP Breaks Coalition
A deal with the NDP has kept Trudeau’s government in power since the 2021 federal election, but NDP leader Jagmeet Singh withdrew from the agreement in early September. Singh accused the Liberal Party of being “too weak” to govern effectively, leaving Trudeau’s leadership vulnerable to further opposition challenges.
Failed Vote Breakdown
The no-confidence motion required the support of a majority of the 338 members of parliament (MPs) to pass. With the Liberal Party holding 153 seats, and the Conservative Party 119, it was the votes from the NDP and Bloc Québécois that tipped the scales. Ultimately, the motion was defeated by 211 votes.
Conservative Vision for Canada
Poilievre, who has been leading in national polls, argued that a Conservative government would deliver better wages, affordable housing, and safer neighborhoods. Despite his efforts, NDP leader Singh opposed the motion, citing fears that the Conservatives would cut key social programs like dental care and pharmacare if they took power.
Bloc Québécois’ Position
The Bloc Québécois, focused on Quebec’s interests, expressed confidence in working with the Liberals to secure Quebec-focused social programs, signaling their reluctance to back the Conservative motion.
Trudeau Defends His Leadership
Earlier in the week, while attending the UN General Assembly in New York City, Trudeau acknowledged Canadians’ struggles with rising costs in an interview on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.” He defended his government’s record, stating that they have invested in Canadians and will continue to do so. “I’m going to keep fighting,” Trudeau said.
