MPs returning to Ottawa will have to deal with new political circumstances
This move has prompted Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre to challenge the NDP to vote against confidence in Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his party.
On Monday, Parliamentarians will return to West Block in Ottawa, only to find a significantly altered political landscape.
When they last convened, the Liberals were aware of their declining poll numbers but felt secure with the New Democrats committed to supporting them until the next budget was tabled.
However, recent events have shifted the dynamics, and the government now faces the risk of a potential election at any time.
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh recently withdrew from his political agreement with the government.
This move has prompted Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre to challenge the NDP to vote against confidence in Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his party.
For the NDP, the stakes are high.
Their electoral prospects have not notably improved despite extracting key concessions from the Liberals, such as a national dental-care plan and a pharmacare bill currently in the Senate.
This shift in dynamics opens up opportunities for the Bloc Québécois.
Bloc Leader Yves-François Blanchet has indicated a willingness to negotiate with the Liberals in exchange for concessions that benefit Quebec, such as passing Bill C-319, which seeks to equalize pensions for seniors aged 65 to 74 with those aged 75 and older.
The Bloc requires a royal recommendation from a government minister to approve the financial implications of this bill.
The Liberals, on the other hand, are focusing on "delivering for Canadians" rather than engaging in the political maneuvering of opposition parties.
They aim to advance key legislation, including their pharmacare bill and the controversial Online Harms Act, though other parties could obstruct this progress.
Since breaking with the Liberals, Singh has intensified his critiques of the prime minister, but insiders suggest he is not eager for an election at this time.
On Monday evening, all parties will be closely watching the results of two crucial byelections.
The NDP is striving to retain its stronghold in Winnipeg's Elmwood—Transcona, while the Liberals are engaged in a competitive three-way race in Montreal's LaSalle—Émard—Verdun against the NDP and the Bloc.
Trudeau expressed optimism about the prospects of his Liberal candidate in Montreal, Laura Palestini, despite past calls for his resignation after a previous byelection loss in Toronto—St. Paul's in June.
If the NDP loses the Winnipeg seat and fails to win in Montreal, Singh could face significant scrutiny.
Meanwhile, the Conservatives are expected to strategize in Ottawa this weekend, aiming to push their opponents into calling a shorter fall sitting.
