Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet stated that there have been no formal discussions with the minority Liberal government regarding the ultimatum to support his party’s bills or potentially trigger an early election.
Blanchet informed reporters in Ottawa on Oct. 1 that neither party has initiated talks on the matter and emphasized that his party’s demands are non-negotiable.
He mentioned that there have been only casual discussions between Bloc and Liberal MPs on the subject.
“We are not fully aware of their stance on this issue,” he explained. “Some MPs have informal conversations with our members in the hallways here, but it doesn’t hold much significance.”
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Liberal ministers have not publicly disclosed whether the government will comply with the Bloc’s demands.
Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland mentioned on Oct. 1 that her government has extensively deliberated on the issue for several days. Ministers have emphasized the government’s efforts to support seniors.
The Liberals lost the formal backing of the NDP to remain in power in early September when the NDP withdrew from the supply-and-confidence agreement that sustained them in power until June 2025. Through this agreement, the NDP advanced several priorities like dental care.
With the Liberals needing the support of a major party to retain power, the Bloc is now seeking to capitalize on the situation. However, the NDP has not indicated a desire for an early election.
On Oct. 1, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh remarked that the current situation with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is troubling, but Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre would exacerbate the situation.
During debates in the House, Blanchet stated that his party is prepared for an election but has also expressed disinterest in merely assisting in replacing Trudeau with Poilievre. Conservatives have maintained a significant lead in the polls for an extended period, positioning them for a potential majority. Poilievre criticized the NDP and Bloc for supporting the Liberals in confidence votes, accusing them of endorsing “an expensive coalition extension and expansion.”
The Bloc leader has indicated that if the two bills are not passed by the late October deadline, he will initiate discussions with other opposition parties to topple the government. Recent attempts by the Conservatives to trigger an election through a non-confidence motion have been unsuccessful.
When asked by reporters if discussions have commenced with other parties regarding the potential outcome if the Bloc bills are not approved, Blanchet hinted at tensions between them.
“If you were to have a meeting with all the parties present, you would notice a lack of communication,” he remarked. “There isn’t much camaraderie among us.”
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