In a surprising move that has sent shockwaves through Canadian politics, the leader of the New Democratic Party (NDP), Jagmeet Singh, announced that he has "ripped up" the deal that has supported Justin Trudeau's Liberal Party in the minority Parliament for the past 2½ years. Singh's decision to distance his progressive party from the increasingly unpopular government has dealt a significant blow to its stability, raising speculations of a potential early federal election.

Singh made the announcement in a video posted on his social media accounts, criticizing Trudeau's handling of issues related to corporate greed and lack of commitment to fighting for the people. "The Liberals are too weak, too selfish, and too beholden to corporate interests to be the change we need," Singh asserted. "They cannot stop the Conservatives, but we can."

This move comes just days ahead of Trudeau's caucus meeting scheduled before the fall session of Parliament begins on September 16. Since March 22, 2022, the NDP has been supporting the Liberal government under a cooperative agreement called a supply and confidence agreement. This arrangement allowed the NDP to press Trudeau for the introduction of new social programs, such as dental care and pharmacare, as well as the banning of replacement workers in federally regulated workplaces. However, despite some gains under this deal, the NDP has failed to significantly improve its standing in public opinion polls. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has leveraged this in his attacks on Singh, labeling him a "sellout."

The decision to terminate the pact does not automatically trigger an election or suggest an imminent collapse of Parliament. However, it does mean that the government's future hangs in the balance, as it would require majority support in any future confidence vote to remain in power. Singh's move highlights his sharp criticism of the Liberals' handling of a major labor dispute that led to the shutdown of the country's largest railroads earlier this summer. Labor Minister Steven MacKinnon had sought binding arbitration from Canada's labor board to resolve the conflict.

Furthermore, the withdrawal of NDP support comes in advance of two crucial federal by-elections, which have the potential to significantly impact the political landscape. In a recent upset during a by-election earlier this summer, the Liberals lost in a traditionally safe riding. Trudeau, during a press conference, expressed his hope that an election would not be necessary until next fall, suggesting the possibility of continued collaboration between the two parties in Parliament. He also took the opportunity to take swipes at the Conservatives, warning of the "austerity, cuts, and damage" that would be inflicted if they were to gain power.

As uncertainty looms over the fate of Trudeau's government, political dynamics continue to shift in Canada, setting the stage for potentially defining moments in the upcoming federal elections.