Canada's Trudeau survives no-confidence vote after NDP withdrawal, Conservatives hint at another motion soon

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's minority Liberal government on Wednesday (September 25) survived a no-confidence vote initiated by the opposition Conservative Party. The vote ended with 211 lawmakers opposing the motion and 120 supporting it.

This vote came shortly after the New Democratic Party (NDP), unexpectedly pulled out of a 2022 deal that had been helping keep Trudeau's government stable. With the NDP no longer backing the Liberals, the government faced a higher risk of falling to a no-confidence motion.

Add WION as a Preferred Source

"Today was a good day for the country because I don't think Canadians want an election," said Karina Gould, a senior Liberal who oversees government business in the House of Commons to news agency Reuters. In the 338-seat Canadian House of Commons, the Liberals control 154 seats, while the Conservatives hold 119 and the NDP has 24.

Justin Trudeau's declining approval

Since taking office in 2015, Justin Trudeau's popularity has declined, largely due to the rising cost of living and an ongoing housing crisis. Recent setbacks for his party, such as losing two by-elections in key cities like Toronto and Montreal, have intensified the pressure on the Prime Minister.

Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre brought a no-confidence motion, seizing the opportunity after the New Democratic Party (NDP) ended its collaboration with the Liberals. During a parliamentary debate, Poilievre criticised Trudeau for failing to address major issues like inflation, housing shortages, and rising crime rates.

“After nine years of Liberal government, the promise of Canada is broken,” Poilievre remarked, highlighting the significant growth in national debt under Trudeau's leadership. He proposed a "common sense plan" for the future, which includes lowering carbon taxes, increasing housing construction, balancing the budget, and tackling crime, should the Conservatives win the next election.

Conservatives lead in polls

Polls indicate that Trudeau and the Liberals are trailing behind the Conservatives. Poilievre has vowed to keep pushing for an election, with another attempt to topple the government anticipated as soon as next week.

However, Poilievre's effort to remove Trudeau has not gained full support from other opposition parties, who are critical of his right-wing policies. Liberal House leader Karina Gould accused the Conservatives of “playing games” and dismissed the no-confidence vote as “pretty lame.”

(With inputs from agencies)