Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announces a new agreement between the Liberals and NDP, March 22, 2022. (Capture via CPAC.)Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announces a new agreement between the Liberals and NDP, March 22, 2022. (Capture via CPAC.)
Sarnia

Liberal, NDP deal will keep minority government in place through 2025

A new deal between the Liberals and New Democrats will keep Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's minority government in power until 2025.

Trudeau announced the "supply and confidence" agreement between the two parties on Tuesday.

"What this means is that during this uncertain time the government can function with predictability and stability, present and implement budgets, and get things done for Canadians," said Trudeau. "Both parties have identified key policy areas where we share similar objectives and we've agreed to work together to put the needs and interests of Canadians first."

Trudeau stressed neither party is compromising its core beliefs or denying the differences between them by entering into the agreement. He added that the Liberals and NDP would still engage in "healthy debate."

Under the agreement, the NDP would support the Liberals in confidence votes including those on federal budgets. That would allow it to continue to move forward with new policies without the fear of being defeated in a confidence vote that would thrust Canadians into a snap election.

"[This agreement] is about fulfilling the clear mandate Canadians gave parliament by improving the way we do politics so we can act now to deliver good jobs, climate action, more affordable housing and child care, and a more prosperous future for everyone," said Trudeau.

Other shared objectives of the two parties include delivering a "fairer tax system" for the middle class and moving forward with reconciliation.

"New Democrats will always use our power to make life better for Canadians. Tommy Douglas did it with Medicare. Jack Layton did it with affordable housing. Now we're using our power to deliver the biggest expansion of health care in a generation – with Dental Care and Pharmacare," tweeted NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh.

No other details about the national dental care and pharmacare plans were released on Tuesday.

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