In a move that has stirred the Canadian political landscape, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh announced the termination of his party’s supply-and-confidence agreement with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Liberal government. The deal, initially expected to last until June 2025, has been brought to a premature end due to Singh's discontent with the Liberal Party's performance.

In a video released on social media on Wednesday afternoon, Singh expressed frustration over the Trudeau government’s alleged failure to stand up to corporate interests. He emphasized that Trudeau "will always cave to corporate greed" and asserted that the Liberals have let down the people of Canada.

A Deal to Support a Minority Government

The agreement, originally struck in March 2022, was historic — a rare instance of formal cooperation between two parties at the federal level. It ensured that the NDP would support the Liberal minority government on key confidence votes, preventing an election. In exchange, the Liberals committed to advancing important NDP priorities such as dental care, pharmacare, and increased support for low-income families.

While the partnership succeeded in delivering certain benefits, Singh and his party have grown frustrated with the pace of progress. Some key promises, including the full implementation of a pharmacare program and a Safe Long-Term Care Act, remain unfinished.

Why Did Singh End the Deal?

Singh's decision reflects deep dissatisfaction with the Liberal government's handling of corporate interests and the affordability crisis in Canada. In his video message, he accused Trudeau of failing to stand up to big corporations, framing his decision as a defense against Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre’s potential cuts to essential services.

“There is another, even bigger battle ahead,” Singh said, warning Canadians of the threat posed by Poilievre’s Conservatives. According to Singh, Poilievre would prioritize corporate interests while cutting programs that support workers, retirees, young people, and families.

Liberal Reaction: Trudeau Focuses on Delivering for Canadians

In response to Singh’s announcement, Prime Minister Trudeau emphasized his commitment to tackling issues such as affordability and climate change. He expressed hope that the NDP would continue to focus on delivering results for Canadians, rather than engaging in politics.

Trudeau was surprised by the sudden announcement, as were other senior members of his government. Government House Leader Karina Gould admitted that the decision "came as a big surprise," stating that she believed the agreement would last until June 2025.

Conservative Criticism: A “Stunt” by Singh

Unsurprisingly, Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre seized the opportunity to criticize both Singh and Trudeau. Poilievre dismissed Singh’s decision as a "media stunt" and challenged him to vote non-confidence in the Liberal government when Parliament returns.

According to Poilievre, Singh has yet to prove that he is willing to oppose the Liberals in a meaningful way, accusing the NDP of continuing to prop up Trudeau’s “costly government.”

What’s Next for Canada?

The end of the supply-and-confidence agreement raises many questions about the future of Canadian politics. While the dissolution of the agreement does not necessarily mean an immediate election, it does indicate a shift in the political landscape. The Liberals may need to seek new alliances or negotiate with the NDP on a case-by-case basis to maintain their grip on power.

Singh's announcement also sets the stage for a political showdown, with the NDP positioning itself as the party that can stand up for Canadians against both Liberal compromises and Conservative cuts. Whether this will lead to a fall election remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Canadian voters are headed into a period of political uncertainty.

The NDP is ending its governance agreement with the Liberals