The Conservative and NDP caucuses are facing a dilemma regarding the upcoming federal budget and the possibility of triggering an election by rejecting it, as per multiple sources informed CBC News. Senior Conservative insiders indicate a reluctance towards an immediate election while also expressing opposition to endorsing the new Liberal government’s inaugural budget, citing concerns about aligning with Prime Minister Mark Carney’s policies.
There is genuine speculation within the Conservative camp about the potential defeat of the Liberal budget due to insufficient support in the House. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has outlined demands to the Liberals, such as abolishing the industrial carbon tax and capping the deficit under $42 billion. However, these demands are unlikely to be met as the government has dismissed them.
The Bloc Québécois has presented costly demands including enhanced Old Age Security benefits, increased health transfers, and interest-free loans for first-time homebuyers. The Liberals have agreed to incorporate at least one of the Bloc’s demands related to cracking down on a tax evasion scheme in the trucking industry.
Discussions have taken place between the Conservatives, NDP, and the Bloc on how to approach the budget vote. It is speculated that some NDP MPs may abstain from voting, facilitating the budget’s passage. Government House leader Steven MacKinnon has urged the Conservatives to support the budget to prevent an imminent election.
The NDP, grappling with financial constraints and lacking a permanent leader, has not finalized its stance on the budget. Conservative sources reveal that the NDP’s small caucus may have conflicting priorities, potentially leading individual MPs to support the budget.
The Conservatives have shifted their strategy from the last Parliament, refraining from criticizing the NDP in the lead-up to the budget vote. Interim NDP Leader Don Davies has emphasized the party’s focus on investments supporting working families, employment, affordable housing, and public healthcare.
Davies stated that the NDP will wait to evaluate the budget content before committing to a stance, emphasizing a reluctance to support austerity measures. Unlike other parties, the NDP is open to considering the budget details before making a decision on support.