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Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau could lose power early next year after New Democratic Party leader Jagmeet Singh announced plans to file a no-confidence motion when Parliament reconvenes on Jan. 27.
If opposition parties support the no-confidence motion, Trudeau’s nine-year tenure as prime minister will end, triggering an election. Polls suggest voter frustration over high prices and a housing crisis could lead to a significant Liberal defeat by the Conservatives. The New Democrats accuse Trudeau of catering too much to big business, alienating center-left voters.
“No matter who is leading the Liberal Party, this government’s time is up. We will put forward a clear motion of non-confidence in the next sitting of the House of Commons,” said Singh.
The Bloc Quebecois leader vowed to support the no-confidence motion, asserting that Trudeau cannot survive. Conservatives have long pushed for an election. Shortly after Singh’s announcement, a smiling Trudeau, under pressure following his finance minister’s resignation, oversaw a cabinet shuffle.
Confidence votes on budgets and spending can bring down the government, and opposition parties can introduce no-confidence motions during allocated sessions. Before Singh’s announcement, a source said Trudeau would use the Christmas break to consider his future, with no decision expected before January. Liberal leadership changes require special conventions, which take months to organize. If Trudeau resigns, the Liberals would face the election with an interim leader, an unprecedented situation in Canada.
Around 20 Liberal legislators have called for Trudeau to resign, though his cabinet remains loyal. The crisis comes as U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, set to take office on Jan. 20, plans to impose a 25% tariff on Canadian imports, threatening the economy.
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