Bloc Leader Signals Potential Collaboration with Opposition to Oust Trudeau Government
Bloc Québécois leader Yves-François Blanchet announced that his party is ready to collaborate with other opposition parties “as rapidly as next week” to bring down Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government. This statement follows a recent vote in which the Liberals were the only party to oppose a motion related to the Bloc’s demands, crucial for the Grits to maintain their hold on power.
Blanchet’s remarks came during a press briefing on Wednesday, where he emphasized the urgency for the Liberal government to address the Bloc’s call to increase seniors’ pensions. This request gained traction after both the Conservative and New Democratic parties supported the motion, leading to a vote of 181 to 143 in favor.
“The government did not have the spine to provide Canadians and Quebecers with a clear answer,” Blanchet stated outside the House of Commons. He reiterated his demand for the passage of the proposed pension bill without modifications, despite some Liberal ministers expressing concerns over the financial implications and broader scope of the legislation.
The Bloc’s support hinges on two key demands, including Bill C-319, which aims to increase pensions for seniors aged 65 to 74 at an estimated cost of over $16 billion over five years. If the Bloc withdraws its support, the New Democrats would be the last remaining party the Trudeau government could negotiate with to stay in power.
Blanchet set a deadline for the Liberals to respond, stating, “They have until a few days from now to proceed with the royal recommendation, and if they do not, we will start working with other opposition parties to prepare for an election.”
While the Liberals have shown support for protecting the supply management system for dairy farmers, they remain non-committal regarding the pension bill. Government House Leader Karina Gould confirmed that the Trudeau government would not endorse the motion, arguing that allowing opposition day motions to dictate government policy would set a problematic precedent.
Despite this setback, Gould indicated that the Liberals remain open to discussions with all parties to prevent the government from collapsing. However, when asked about the possibility of compromise, Blanchet firmly stated, “No. This is our position, this is our demand, and it will not change.”
Health Minister Mark Holland highlighted the significant financial implications of the pension bill, labeling it a potential “terrible precedent” for government spending. He voiced concerns about the bill’s focus, emphasizing the need to support the most vulnerable seniors rather than those who are already financially stable.
In light of the growing tensions, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, whose party could play a pivotal role in any potential government changes, remained non-committal about his party’s stance should the Bloc withdraw its support. “We’re going to look at each vote, so it depends on what the vote is, and we’ll make a determination based on each vote as it comes to us,” Singh stated.
As the political landscape evolves, all eyes will be on the upcoming discussions, with the Bloc threatening to initiate collaboration with opposition parties if their demands are not met swiftly.
With files from Alex Ballingall
