Canada’s Minority Government Faces First Major Test as No-Confidence Motion Looms

In a move that could potentially topple the ruling Liberal government, Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre introduced a motion of no confidence in Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s administration on Tuesday. The motion, which is set to be voted on Wednesday, marks the first major test of the unpopular minority government.

Poilievre, who has been itching for a snap election since the New Democratic Party (NDP) exited a coalition agreement with the Liberals earlier this month, accused Trudeau of failing to address soaring costs of living, a housing crisis, and crime, while doubling the national debt. If elected prime minister, Poilievre promised to implement a "common sense plan" to axe the carbon tax, build homes, fix the budget, and stop crime.

Trudeau, however, has vowed to "keep fighting" and criticized Poilievre for suggesting that cutting services and programs is the best way to get through difficult times. "I’m thinking about how we can best help Canadians," Trudeau said during a news conference at the United Nations on Tuesday.

Despite the no-confidence motion, analysts suggest that an election is unlikely to happen until at least spring 2025. The Liberal government currently holds 153 seats in the House of Commons, while the Conservatives have 119, the Bloc Quebecois has 33, and the NDP has 25.

According to a recent Angus Reid poll, the Conservatives are well ahead of the Liberals, with 43 percent of voting intention against 21 percent for the ruling party. The NDP is at 19 percent.

The outcome of the no-confidence motion is uncertain, but Poilievre has vowed to keep trying to bring down the government, with another opportunity to do so set to be presented in early October.