NDP Faces Risks in Ending Liberal Cooperation Deal

The NDP is under pressure from the Conservatives to end its cooperation deal with the Liberals, which was established in March 2022 to support the minority government. This agreement has allowed the NDP to influence significant legislation, including advancements in dental care, child care, and energy transition, while the pharmacare bill is currently in the Senate. Despite threats to withdraw from the deal, the Liberals have managed to maintain the partnership, which is set to last until the spring of 2025. As the new parliamentary session approaches in mid-September, both parties have not specified which areas of the agreement they will prioritize. The deal includes commitments to enhance health care, affordability, and a fairer tax system, with many initiatives already implemented, such as the Early Learning and Child Care Act and the Housing Accelerator Fund. The NDP has seen substantial progress on its agenda, which has been largely actioned under the themes of health care and climate crisis. The Conservatives, led by Pierre Poilievre, have publicly urged NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh to withdraw support for the Liberals, suggesting that breaking the deal could lead to an early election. However, the NDP risks losing seats if it chooses to break the agreement, despite not having much left to gain from it. The political landscape shows the Conservatives leading in popularity, which adds pressure on the NDP to reconsider its position. In summary, while the NDP has achieved significant legislative goals through its cooperation with the Liberals, the ongoing pressure from the Conservatives and the potential for an early election complicate the political dynamics as the agreement continues to unfold until 2025.