Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau encountered an unexpected political challenge on Wednesday when the New Democratic Party (NDP), a key partner in maintaining his minority Liberal government, withdrew its support. NDP leader Jagmeet Singh announced he was “ripping up” the 2022 agreement that had kept Trudeau in power, accusing the Liberals of being ineffective in countering the opposition Conservatives.
Singh criticized the Trudeau administration for prioritizing corporate interests over the public, claiming the Liberals lacked the strength to bring about meaningful change. Although this development does not immediately force Trudeau to step down or call new elections, he will need to seek backing from other opposition members in the House of Commons to pass crucial legislation and survive confidence votes.
The 2022 agreement between the NDP and Trudeau’s Liberals ensured NDP support until mid-2025 in exchange for increased social spending, including the introduction of a national dental program. Despite these accomplishments, the NDP continues to lag in third place in the polls, while growing voter fatigue toward Trudeau, who has been in office since 2015, threatens the Liberals’ future.
Singh is expected to further address the media on Thursday.