After another setback in a Federal by-election, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government might face a no-confidence motion next week. The defeat occurred in LaSalle-Émard-Verdun, Quebec, where Louis-Philippe Sauvé of the Bloc Québécois triumphed over Liberal candidate Laura Palestini. This by-election followed the resignation of former Cabinet Minister David Lametti earlier this year. Lametti had secured a decisive win in the 2021 Federal election.
This loss adds to the Liberals’ woes, having already lost another stronghold, Toronto-St Paul’s, in June. These defeats highlight the declining support for Trudeau’s administration. Next week, the opposition Conservative Party plans to initiate a no-confidence motion. Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre posted on X, “Taxes up. Costs up. Crime’s up. Time’s up.”
A poll by Abacus Data released on Monday revealed that 43% of committed voters would vote Conservative if an election were held now, while only 22% would support the Liberals. The poll indicated that the gap between the two parties has widened by 4 points since August.
In other news: Poilievre embarrasses himself yet again introducing a non-confidence motion without enough votes in the house to support it, further calling his weak leadership of his aimless 🐴💩 party into question. https://t.co/xWsNKbybg9
— Jer Robitaille. 🇨🇦🎸🎚️🎛️🎤🎶♋♈ (@robiwan4s) September 18, 2024
Modelling by Ottawa-based Raymond Liu, reported by the National Post, suggests that if these poll numbers translated to seats in the House of Commons, the Conservatives would hold 230, the Bloc Québécois 41, the New Democratic Party (NDP) 38, and the Liberals a mere 32 seats, relegating them to the fourth position.
Trudeau has not shown any intention to resign. On Tuesday, he remarked, “We need people to be more engaged, we need people to understand what’s at stake in this upcoming election.” Though the next election is scheduled for October next year, a no-confidence vote could trigger an early election. The House of Commons has 336 members, with the Liberals holding a minority of 154 seats. The government needs support from either the Bloc Québécois or the NDP to maintain power. Earlier this month, the NDP withdrew from the Supply and Confidence Agreement signed in March 2022, which had previously ensured a working majority for the government, further jeopardising Trudeau’s political future.
What Other Media Are Saying
- CTV News: The first Conservative motion aims to bring down Trudeau’s Liberal government by asking if the House has confidence in him, amid growing opposition and potential snap election speculation. (Read more)
- NewsX: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government faces potential no-confidence vote following by-election defeat, highlighting internal party divisions and declining popularity with Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre poised to introduce a motion. (Read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why is Justin Trudeau’s government facing a no-confidence motion?
Justin Trudeau’s government is facing a no-confidence motion due to recent electoral defeats and sinking popularity.
Who won the by-election in LaSalle-Émard-Verdun, Quebec?
Louis-Philippe Sauvé of the Bloc Québécois won the by-election in LaSalle-Émard-Verdun, Quebec.
What could happen if the no-confidence motion passes?
If the no-confidence motion passes, it could force early elections in Canada.
How many seats does the Liberal Party currently hold in the House of Commons?
The Liberal Party currently holds 154 seats in the House of Commons.
What did Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre say about the current situation?
Pierre Poilievre said, ‘Taxes up. Costs up. Crime’s up. Time’s up.’
