Bloc Leader Prepared for Early Election, Urges Government to Pass Bill

October 1, 2024 TruthUSA

Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet stated that his party is ready for an early election as he advocated for his motion urging the government to advance one of the Bloc’s private member’s bills.

Blanchet emphasized that the minority Liberal government must pass two Bloc bills by Oct. 29 to secure his party’s support in confidence motions: Bill C-319, which amends the Old Age Security Act, and Bill C-282, related to supply management.

The Bloc’s motion on Oct. 1 calls for the government to expedite a royal recommendation for Bill C-319. A royal recommendation is required for bills impacting the budget.

While expressing a lack of desire for an immediate election, Blanchet affirmed that the party is ready to trigger one if necessary to benefit Quebecers.

Blanchet mentioned, “We are fully prepared—we have the resources, the issues, a plan, the candidates—we are absolutely prepared for an election,” during his presentation of the motion on Oct. 1 in the House of Commons.

Conservative and NDP MPs have indicated their support for the bill, while the Liberals’ stance remains uncertain. Health Minister Mark Holland mentioned during a scrum on Oct. 1 the need for collaboration with parliamentarians while maintaining fiscal responsibility.

Blanchet has asserted the Bloc’s intention to leverage its support for the Liberals in confidence votes following the NDP’s withdrawal from the supply-and-confidence agreement in early September.

Regarding the Bloc’s second private member’s bill (C-282), which aims to prevent non-negotiable dairy, poultry, and egg quotas in trade negotiations, Blanchet expressed optimism in achieving royal assent for it by month-end.

Setting Oct. 29 as the deadline for bill passage, Blanchet emphasized the importance of adopting the bills promptly or facing a potential snap election before Christmas.

The Liberal, NDP, Bloc Québécois, and Green parties voted against the Conservative Party’s non-confidence motion on Sept. 25, denying the early election trigger. Bloc House Leader Alain Therrien indicated the Bloc’s readiness to oppose the Liberals and precipitate an early election.

NDP and Tories Signal Support for Bill

Conservative MP Joël Godin mentioned on Oct. 1 that the Conservatives had previously supported Bill C-319 due to their concern for seniors’ well-being.

Blanchet expressed satisfaction at the potential Conservative support for the bill, hinting at possible collaboration in a government downfall scenario if the bill fails.

NDP MP Matthew Green affirmed his party’s backing for the bill but criticized it as a basic approach. Blanchet questioned the NDP’s commitment to supporting the Bloc in a non-confidence motion if the bill falters.

Liberal MP Kevin Lamoureux highlighted the government’s efforts in supporting seniors through legislative measures, contrasting the Bloc’s past voting record on social programs.

Lamoureux defended the Liberal government’s commitment to senior care, emphasizing ongoing support for the elderly.

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