In a year-end interview with The Canadian Press, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh unequivocally ruled out the possibility of forming a coalition government with the Liberals if no party secures a clear majority after the next federal election. Despite ongoing collaboration between the two parties, Singh emphasized, “That’s off the table,” asserting the NDP’s focus on achieving legislative goals in the current Parliament and gearing up for a victory in the future.
The NDP and Liberals had entered into a deal in March 2022, with the NDP pledging support to the minority Liberals on crucial parliamentary votes in exchange for action on NDP policy priorities. This collaboration has resulted in initiatives such as a national dental-care program, one-time rental supplements, a temporary GST rebate increase, legislation against replacement workers, and investments in an Indigenous-led housing strategy. The agreement is set to remain in force until 2025, aligning with the anticipated federal election by October of that year.
Singh stated that observing the Liberals up close through this agreement has reinforced his belief that more can be done to improve Canadians’ lives. Expressing heightened motivation, Singh declared his aspiration to become the next prime minister.
While current polls indicate potential majority territory for the Opposition Conservatives, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau maintains that the next election will follow the fixed-date schedule, scheduled for the fall of 2025. Trudeau, when asked about a possible post-election coalition with the NDP, highlighted the need to let Canadians decide the parliamentary composition. He emphasized the effectiveness of the Liberal government’s accomplishments and fiscal responsibility, anticipating that such achievements would resonate in Canadian politics for years to come.