Photo: Sean Kilpatrick The Canadian Press New Democratic Party Leader Jagmeet Singh has not ruled out continuing to vote to keep Justin Trudeau's minority government in power.
New Democratic Party (NDP) Leader Jagmeet Singh expressed his dislike Wednesday of joining the Bloc Québécois and the Conservative Party of Canada in a plan to trigger a new federal election.
“No, I’m not going to help the ‘cut king’ cut services that people need. I’m not going to help the Bloc, a completely useless party […], help the Conservatives. No, I’m not going to help them,” Singh chanted to the parliamentary press in Ottawa.
Even though he was repeatedly pushed by reporters to be more clear, the NDP leader refused to close the door on continuing to vote to keep Justin Trudeau’s minority government in power despite the dramatic announcement of his split with his political partner in September. When asked about the issue, he reiterated his priority of “helping people” and his intention to examine every vote that is submitted to him.
The NDP became the only party capable of keeping the Trudeau government alive through a confidence vote on Tuesday, with the Bloc Québécois lining up behind the Conservatives’ call for an election as soon as possible. Since the current federal government is a minority, the three main opposition parties could, by common accord, bring about its downfall by withdrawing their confidence in it.
200% Deposit Bonus up to €3,000 180% First Deposit Bonus up to $20,000However, this question is rather theoretical, since no motion of censure can be submitted to Parliament at the moment. Paralyzed for more than a month by a Conservative question of privilege, the House of Commons is constantly pushing back its regular proceedings, including opposition days, which are essential to bringing down the current government. The Conservative Party confirmed to Devoir that it has no intention of ending its blockade.
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Jagmeet Singh has shown no greater eagerness to end the fruitless and endless debate over document requests related to Sustainable Development Technology Canada, a federal green fund that is being dissolved and found guilty of ethical breaches. The Liberals “need transparency,” the NDP leader says.
“I don’t want a Liberal government. I don’t want Justin Trudeau to be prime minister. [But] there’s going to be an election. And when that election comes, people are going to have a choice,” he repeated.
His refusal to work with the other parties to dismiss Prime Minister Justin Trudeau prompted Bloc Québécois House Leader Alain Therrien to say that Trudeau had “gone back to his ex who had crowned him, the NDP.” He then alleged during question period that his only MP in Quebec, Alexandre Boulerice, wants to enter municipal politics in Montreal to replace Mayor Valérie Plante, who will not be running for another term.
The day before, as announced when it issued its ultimatum to the Liberals, the Bloc Québécois had sent the other opposition parties a letter offering to collaborate to end this 44th legislature. In response, the New Democrats released a photomontage comparing Bloc leader Yves-François Blanchet to King Charles III, “two symbols in Ottawa that serve no purpose.”
For its part, the Green Party of Canada, which has only two members of Parliament, has been downright hostile to the Bloc’s approach. “The Bloc Québécois’ announcement reveals a disturbing disregard for the interests of Canadians and democracy,” reads a statement. This party, whose political clout is too weak to save or defeat the Trudeau government, wants to wait until all the light has been shed on foreign political interference before launching a new election campaign.