Jagmeet Singh Signals NDP’s Willingness to Back Liberal Tariff Relief Amid Trump’s Trade Threat
NDP Leader Open to Supporting Economic Measures Despite Push to Oust Government
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh has indicated his party could work with the Liberal government to pass urgent tariff relief measures if former U.S. President Donald Trump moves ahead with severe trade restrictions on Canadian goods. Singh’s comments come as Canada braces for potential economic fallout from Trump’s aggressive trade policies, which could severely impact key industries.
For weeks, Singh has maintained that his party is committed to voting against the Liberals at the earliest opportunity when Parliament resumes in March. He has consistently pushed for an election to oust Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government. However, Singh now suggests he is open to collaboration—under specific conditions—to ensure Canadian workers receive necessary economic support.
NDP’s Conditional Support for Tariff Relief
Despite his pledge to oppose the Liberal government, Singh acknowledged that emergency economic measures might require bipartisan cooperation. Speaking to reporters, he stated that if the Liberals present a serious plan to counter the economic damage caused by U.S. tariffs, opposition leaders should be consulted.
“I will be voting against the government at the earliest opportunity,” Singh reaffirmed. “But if the Liberals are serious about a plan to support workers, they should call the opposition leaders together and discuss it with us.”
Singh also noted that, so far, the government has not communicated any specifics regarding a tariff-relief package. He urged the Liberals to engage with all opposition parties to ensure that any proposed measures effectively protect Canadian jobs and industries.
“If there’s a plan, all the opposition leaders need to come together,” he emphasized. “Let’s have a plan in place.”
Bloc Québécois Rejects Liberal Cooperation
While Singh remains open to discussions, Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet has outright dismissed any possibility of supporting the Liberal government, even for emergency economic measures.
Blanchet argued that extending the Liberal government’s time in power—even temporarily—would be a mistake. He expressed skepticism about the timeline for passing relief legislation, suggesting it could serve as an excuse to delay a federal election.
“If the Liberals want to help people, they should simply start the election sooner,” Blanchet asserted.
The Political Balancing Act
Singh’s stance reflects a strategic balancing act—upholding his party’s commitment to bringing down the Trudeau government while acknowledging the pressing need for economic stability. With Trump’s trade threats looming, Canadian businesses and workers may face significant financial hardship, increasing pressure on Parliament to act quickly.
The Liberals, who currently govern in a minority, will likely require opposition support to pass any emergency tariff-relief package. Singh’s willingness to negotiate could be a key factor in ensuring economic aid reaches affected industries before the next election.
As the situation develops, all eyes will be on whether the Liberal government engages with opposition leaders to forge a bipartisan strategy—or if political tensions will overshadow economic priorities.
Source : The Canadian Press
