Bloc Leader Urges for January Election Following Freeland’s Resignation

Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet asserts that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has forfeited his political, moral, and ethical mandate to lead and should schedule an election in the upcoming year.

This statement follows the surprising resignation of Chrystia Freeland as finance minister, citing disagreements with Trudeau in recent weeks and advocating for the government to eliminate costly “political strategies” in response to tariff threats from president-elect Donald Trump.

Blanchet emphasizes the necessity for a new Parliament “as soon as possible” to address concerns linked to the impending Trump administration.

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is hosting a press conference in Mississauga, ON today, with the party’s announcement indicating a lack of trust in Trudeau to handle the tariff threat.

The Conservatives are urging the House of Commons trade committee to examine the tariff threat between Jan. 2 and 20, which coincides with Trump’s inauguration date.

Blanchet advocates for the election to take place promptly in the new year, citing it as “logical” for Canadians to avoid campaigning during the holiday season.

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The House of Commons is anticipated to adjourn for the holiday break today and reconvene on January 27.

Yesterday, numerous Liberal MPs publicly called for Trudeau to step down following Freeland’s resignation.

Ontario MP Chad Collins exited an evening caucus meeting stating that the Liberal caucus is divided and necessitates a leadership contest.

Dominic LeBlanc was sworn in as the new finance minister on Monday, shortly after the release of the government’s fall economic statement.

The economic update reveals a deficit increase to nearly $62 billion, surpassing Freeland’s earlier $40-billion target.

The update allocates $1.3 billion in new spending to reinforce the border in response to Trump’s 25% tariff threat on Canadian goods.

As finance minister, LeBlanc’s primary focus will be addressing affordability concerns, while also overseeing public safety initiatives until a comprehensive cabinet reshuffle occurs to replace ministers not seeking re-election.

Upon the House of Commons’ return, the Liberals may face challenges securing support from the NDP on confidence matters.

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh urged Trudeau to resign on Monday, although refraining from confirming whether his caucus would vote to bring down the government. The NDP has backed the Liberals thrice on non-confidence motions this fall to keep the minority government afloat.

The fall parliamentary session saw a prolonged debate over a Conservative privilege motion pertaining to mismanagement at a defunct green technology fund, impeding legislative progress since late September.