Trudeau survives no-confidence vote, faces renewed Conservative challenge

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau survived a no-confidence vote on Wednesday, marking the first significant challenge for his minority Liberal government. After nine years in power, Trudeau’s administration faces dwindling popularity. The main opposition, the Conservatives, led by Pierre Poilievre, plan to attempt another government overthrow as early as Tuesday.

Members of Parliament engaged in a heated debate, exchanging insults and banging desks, before voting 211 to 120 against the Conservative motion. Poilievre, enjoying a lead in public opinion polls, has been eager for a snap election. The leftist New Democratic Party (NDP) recently ended its coalition with the Liberals, leaving Trudeau’s government vulnerable.

During the Commons debate on Tuesday, Poilievre criticised Trudeau for failing to address rising living costs, a housing crisis, and crime, while also doubling the national debt. “The promise of Canada, after nine years of Liberal government, is broken,” he said. However, other opposition parties, whose support is crucial to unseat the Liberals, opposed his right-wing agenda.

Canada’s #JustinTrudeau survives confidence note.

211 votes against and 120 votes in favour. @SehgalRahesha tells you more. #CanadaNews pic.twitter.com/GwyNMO2qZ0

— WION (@WIONews) September 26, 2024

Liberal House leader Karina Gould accused the Conservatives of “playing games” after the vote. “We are going to get back to work and do the hard work of governing this country,” she stated.

Immediately following the no-confidence vote, the NDP backed the Liberals to pass legislation on capital gains taxes, avoiding another political crisis. Poilievre vowed to continue his efforts, with the next opportunity to challenge the government arising next week. If unsuccessful, he will have additional chances before the year’s end. The separatist Bloc Quebecois has also demanded concessions from the Liberals for continued support in Parliament until the end of October.

In Canada’s Westminster parliamentary system, the ruling party must maintain the confidence of the House of Commons, which requires support from a majority of members. The Liberals currently hold 153 seats, the Conservatives 119, the Bloc Quebecois 33, and the NDP 25.

Trudeau came to power in 2015 and has defeated Poilievre’s predecessors in the 2019 and 2021 elections. However, recent by-election losses in Liberal strongholds have posed challenges.

During an appearance on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” in New York on Monday evening, Trudeau acknowledged the difficulties Canadians face. “People are hurting. People are having trouble paying for groceries, paying for rent, filling up the tank,” he said.

The NDP’s pact with the Liberals, intended to keep the government in office until late 2025, ended early as the NDP saw its popularity suffer. Poilievre, known for his catchphrases and anti-establishment stance, has gained traction. An Angus Reid poll shows the Conservatives leading with 43 percent of voting intention, compared to the Liberals’ 21 percent and the NDP’s 19 percent.

With pending legislation on NDP priorities like a national dental plan and the unlikelihood of elections during Canada’s harsh winters, experts suggest an election might not occur until at least spring 2025. University of Ottawa professor Genevieve Tellier noted, “Anything is possible. It could come before Christmas.” She added that a weakened Trudeau administration under constant threat “will find it more difficult to govern” in the meantime.