Singh Asserts NDP’s Refusal to Support Non-Confidence Motion

October 30, 2024 TruthUSA

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh has made it clear that his party will not be supporting the Bloc Québécois and Conservatives in their effort to bring down the Liberal government.

During an Oct. 30 press conference, Singh stated that he would not vote in favor of a non-confidence motion that could lead to an early election. He expressed concerns that such a move could result in cuts to essential programs that benefit Canadians.

Singh accused the Tories and the Bloc of trying to eliminate programs like the national dental care plan that Canadians rely on.

“I’m not going to allow them to cut important resources that people need. So, no, I will not participate in their schemes,” Singh declared.

While Singh’s decision not to collaborate with the Bloc and the Conservatives does not signify his support for Justin Trudeau as prime minister, he emphasized that there will be an election where people will have a crucial choice to make.

Singh’s remarks came shortly after Bloc Leader Yves-François Blanchet announced that his party would engage in talks with other parties to bring down the Liberal government.

Blanchet stated that his party had given the Liberal government five weeks to pass two private members’ bills related to raising pensions and keeping supply management out of trade negotiations. He indicated readiness for an election, expressing potential enthusiasm for it.

The Bloc leader urged the minority Liberal government in September to pass Bill C-319, which amends the Old Age Security Act, and Bill C-282, related to supply management, before Oct. 29. Bill C-319 aims to provide seniors aged 65 to 74 with the same 10 percent increase in Old Age Security benefits granted to those aged 75 and older. C-282 would make dairy, poultry, and egg quotas non-negotiable in future trade talks.

The Liberals opposed a Bloc motion calling for a royal recommendation for Bill C-319. Liberal House leader Karina Gould argued that it was not suitable for an opposition day motion to establish a precedent for a royal recommendation. Bill C-282 is still under consideration in the Senate, with several senators expressing concerns about the legislation potentially limiting the government’s flexibility in future trade negotiations.

Since the return of the House of Commons in September, the Liberal government has faced two unsuccessful confidence votes. In both instances, the Conservative motion failed as the Liberals, Bloc Québécois, and New Democrats voted against it.

Despite a potential alliance between the Conservatives and the Bloc to support future non-confidence motions, they currently lack the required votes to bring down the government and prompt an election.

Even with 119 MPs from the Conservatives and 33 from the Bloc, their combined total still falls short of the 169 votes needed for success. The Liberal’s 153 MPs, together with the NDP’s 25, would constitute a majority in the House.

A poll conducted on Oct. 29 by Nanos Research indicates that the Liberal Party has the support of 26% of Canadians, while the Tories lead with 39%. The NDP holds a 20% approval rating.

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