NDP House of Commons Leader Peter Julien said the Bloc Quebecois has not begun talks with the party to oust the minority Trudeau government, as Leader Yves-François Blanchet has threatened.
“As House leaders, we communicate with all parties every day, but I think there’s a difference between what they’re saying publicly and what they’re actually doing privately,” Julian said. told CTV’s Question Period host Vassie Kapelos. In an interview broadcast on Sunday, he was asked whether EU countries had already started such negotiations.
After this week’s vote on the non-binding bloc motion, Blanchet said talks with other opposition parties would begin “as soon as next week” if the Liberals did not succumb to the ultimatum. The motion passed, but most Liberal MPs voted against it.
Blanchett’s position is that Bills C-319 and C-282 are both on the horizon. Bills C-319 and C-282, which aim to strengthen older adult security (OAS) and protect supply management in future trade negotiations, respectively, are not passed by October 29th. The party will begin negotiations. Collaborate with the Conservative Party and the NDP to overthrow the government.
But so far, Julien said he has not received any approach from Brock.
It’s been a month since the NDP ended its long-standing supply and confidence agreement with the Liberals, destabilizing the balance of power in the House of Commons. Brock seized the opportunity to issue an ultimatum deadline that Blanchett says he can’t move, but NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh insisted the party will make voting choices on a case-by-case basis.
Asked if there were any specific policies or commitments the NDP would like the Liberals to acquiesce to in order to maintain support on the confidence issue, Julien said the NDP is already in control of government during the COVID-19 pandemic. He said he could “force” the government to do so. before a trust supply agreement is concluded. He gave examples of support for small businesses, the elderly and people with disabilities during the pandemic.
“These are all very clear and concrete results that the NDP has advanced vote by vote,” Julian said.
He also pointed to the NDP’s recent increase in approval ratings as a sign that Canadians appreciate its efforts and that its message is resonating with voters.
New numbers released this week by Abacus Data show the NDP has surpassed the Liberals in voting intentions outside of Quebec. It’s also the first time since 2015 that the Liberals and NDP are statistically tied, according to data from Nanos Research. Both polling companies have the Conservatives leading the Liberals and NDP by more than 20 points nationally.
But when asked whether the NDP’s fundraising and cash-on-hand numbers compared to the Liberals and Conservatives, and whether the relatively overwhelming financial resources might be a factor in the party wanting to avoid an election before the new year, Julian He said he was “fortunate” there. Spending limits are in place during election periods to maintain a “level playing field.”
“And the NDP will be very competitive in the next election campaign with the other two parties,” he argued.
In response to a question, Julian added that the NDP is ready for an election “at any time.”
“My sign is ready to go. In a minority parliament, that’s what every member should be thinking about,” he said.
With files from CTV News National Correspondent Rachel Aiello
