Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau might face considerable political obstacles at the beginning of the year 2025 following the decision of New Democratic Party (NDP) leader Jagmeet Singh to introduce a no-confidence motion against him.
Political analysts say that if Jagmeet’s move succeeds, it could result in new elections within the country, marking a potential shift in Canadian politics.
The motion, which could be addressed after January 27, introduces an element of unpredictability into the political sphere. Singh’s NDP and Trudeau’s Liberal Party ended their coalition agreement in September of this year, a decision that has raised questions about the government’s future.
Despite the coalition’s termination, Singh has supported the Trudeau government over the last four months to maintain its stability. Trudeau’s government will likely collapse if opposition parties endorse Singh’s initiative. Trudeau has served as Canada’s Prime Minister for nine years.
Trudeau’s party currently holds 153 seats in Parliament but needs 170 to sustain its governance. Until now, the NDP, which has 25 seats, has provided its backing. The opposition Conservative Party controls 120 seats in the 338-member House of Commons.
Conservative Party Likely to Prevail in Possible Elections
Should the Conservative Party secure a majority in potential elections, it could lead to significant policy shifts, particularly in economic and social areas. Numerous polls indicate that the public’s dissatisfaction with escalating inflation could translate into a mandate for the Conservative Party to implement its proposed solutions.
However, Singh’s choice to initiate a no-confidence motion might also be precarious for his party, given that polls show the NDP is significantly behind.
Trudeau’s party would need the assistance of the Bloc Québécois, which has 33 seats, to retain power. However, the Bloc Québécois has pledged to support the opposition. This decision is significant because the Bloc Québécois traditionally advocates for Quebec’s interests, and its support for the opposition could influence the outcome of the potential no-confidence motion.
Increasing Discontent Within Trudeau’s Liberal Party
Dissatisfaction with Trudeau is also escalating within his own Liberal Party. Approximately 20 Liberal MPs have reportedly requested that he resign as Prime Minister.
Who Is Jagmeet Singh, the Individual Attempting to Oust Trudeau’s Administration?
Jagmeet Singh has led the NDP, a significant player in Canadian politics, since 2017. Under his leadership, the party has taken a more progressive stance, particularly on social and economic issues. Born in 1979 in Ontario, Canada, his parents immigrated from Punjab for a better future. Singh became a Member of Parliament in 2011.
In 2013, India rejected Singh’s visa application, accusing him of anti-India activities and associations with extremist organizations.
Singh argued that his advocacy for the victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots upset the Indian government. He mentioned that he had been invited to Punjab to receive an honor as the ‘Sikh of the Year.’
As stated by the Canadian news site Globe and Mail, Singh participated in a pro-Khalistan rally in San Francisco in June 2015. He was reportedly seen addressing the audience while sharing the stage with posters of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, alleging that the Indian government committed genocide against Sikhs.