Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has issued a direct challenge to NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, urging him to break his party’s alliance with the Liberals and trigger a federal election. Speaking to reporters on Parliament Hill, Poilievre accused Singh of prioritizing personal gain over the interests of Canadians, particularly those struggling with rising costs of living.
In a fiery address, Poilievre took aim at the NDP-Liberal coalition, which has kept the Liberal government in power since 2021. He argued that Singh’s support for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s policies has exacerbated inflation, increased housing costs, and deepened economic inequality across the country.
“When you go into the grocery store, you’re spending more than ever before and leaving with less than ever before,” Poilievre said. “This is after two years of Jagmeet Singh joining the Liberal government. It’s clear that Singh did not join to bring down grocery prices or housing costs, both of which have skyrocketed since he joined this coalition. He joined to keep Trudeau in power.”
Poilievre’s remarks come as Parliament prepares to resume in September, with the possibility of a confidence vote looming. The Conservative leader framed the upcoming session as a critical moment for Singh to demonstrate whether he stands with the Canadian people or with the Liberal government.
“Jagmeet Singh is trying to delay the election until after February of next year so that he can qualify for a $2.2 million taxpayer-funded pension,” Poilievre claimed. “My message to Singh is this: put the people ahead of your pension. Break the costly coalition with Trudeau, and let’s have a carbon tax election where Canadians can choose between the NDP-Liberal alliance that taxes your food, punishes your work, and doubles your housing costs, or common-sense Conservatives who will ax the tax, build homes, fix the budget, and stop the crime.”
Poilievre’s speech was laced with sharp criticism of the Trudeau government’s record, particularly its handling of the economy, immigration, and public safety. He accused the Prime Minister of exacerbating inflation through reckless spending and failing to address the nation’s housing crisis, which has seen home prices soar in recent years.
“The man who is not worth the cost announced that he will keep his job. Canadians cannot afford another painful, costly, chaotic, and corrupt year of Justin Trudeau,” Poilievre stated. “He will not quit. He must be fired, and the person to do it is Jagmeet Singh.”
Poilievre also took aim at Trudeau’s recent cabinet retreat in Halifax, where he argued that no meaningful changes were made to address the challenges facing Canadians. “We learned that nothing will change,” Poilievre said, criticizing key ministers such as Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland and Immigration Minister Sean Fraser for remaining in their positions despite what he described as their failures.
In a broader critique, Poilievre linked the economic struggles of Canadians to the policies supported by Singh and the NDP, particularly their backing of the carbon tax and other measures he claims have driven up the cost of living.
“Singh sold out workers to sign on to this costly coalition,” Poilievre charged. “He has voted to hike the carbon tax to 61 cents a litre, for policies to double housing costs, and to tax food. Now, why did he do it? He told us that if he became part of the government, he’d bring down food prices. Did he succeed? Ask him.”
Singh has yet to respond to Poilievre’s challenge. The NDP leader has previously defended the coalition as necessary to advance progressive policies, including pharmacare and dental care, which he argues have benefited Canadians.
As the political stakes rise, all eyes will be on Singh and the NDP when the House of Commons reconvenes. Whether he will heed Poilievre’s call or continue to support the Liberal government remains to be seen, but the pressure from the Conservative leader is unlikely to abate.
Poilievre’s push for a fall election reflects the Conservative Party’s confidence heading into what could be a pivotal political season. With a focus on economic issues and cost-of-living concerns, Poilievre is positioning himself as the leader who can deliver “common sense” solutions to what he describes as Canada’s most pressing problems.
It will be curious to see how the Liberals react and what Jagmeet Singh decides to do next. For now, the ball is in Jagmeet Singh’s court.