Trudeau Government Faces Collapse as NDP Vows No-Confidence Vote
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau faces another potential problem after New Democratic Party leader Jagmeet Singh announced plans on Friday to introduce a no-confidence motion against his minority government, ending a power-sharing deal originally set to last until 2025.
Singh, whose party has continued voting with Trudeau’s Liberals despite ending their formal agreement in September, released a letter declaring the prime minister had “failed in his biggest job” and stated his party would move to defeat the government when Parliament returns from holiday break on January 27.
The challenge follows the resignation of Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, who previously led negotiations with the Trump administration on NAFTA. Freeland criticized recent Liberal economic measures, including a holiday sales tax exemption, as “political gimmicks.”
Trudeau responded with a cabinet reorganization, naming longtime ally Dominic LeBlanc as finance minister. The shuffle included twelve ministers, with Nathaniel Erskine-Smith taking the housing portfolio amid widespread criticism over housing affordability.
The political upheaval comes as Trudeau’s government confronts threats from Trump to impose 25% tariffs on Canadian imports unless the country addresses concerns about undocumented migration and drug trafficking at the US border.
The Parliament is scheduled to return on January 27, but observers say Trudeau could delay reconvening to prevent Singh’s no-confidence vote. The Conservative Party’s expected support for such a motion could trigger an immediate general election if passed.
Trudeau has also canceled traditional year-end media interviews but has maintained a strong presence at Liberal donor events, delivering campaign-style speeches. He left Friday’s swearing-in ceremony without speaking to reporters. Sources say he will use the holiday break to consider his political future.
Despite internal party pressure for leadership change, cabinet ministers maintained public unity at Friday’s ceremony, particularly emphasizing the need for solidarity in dealing with the incoming Trump administration.
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