Angus Opposes Conservative Motion, Citing Concerns About Poilievre and Need for Plan

NDP MP Charlie Angus Opposes Conservative Motion to Topple Liberal Government

NDP MP Charlie Angus has declared his opposition to the Conservative Party's motion to bring down the Liberal government, highlighting a division within his party regarding the timing and method of triggering the next federal election.

Angus's stance comes as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau remains silent about his political future following a cabinet shuffle prompted by Chrystia Freeland's resignation. The Conservatives plan to force a confidence vote in the House of Commons upon its resumption on January 27th, aiming to leverage a public accounts committee report expressing non-confidence in the government.

Angus, in an email to The Globe and Mail, stated his firm opposition to Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's tactics, deeming him unfit for leadership and unwilling to support his "procedural games." He believes that supporting such a motion would render Parliament dysfunctional.

While NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh announced his party's intention to bring down the government on December 20th, his statement remained vague on how they would vote on a Conservative motion. The NDP may not have the opportunity to present their own motion until March due to the government's control over opposition days.

NDP House Leader Peter Julian has indicated the party's willingness to support a committee-level non-confidence statement but has also acknowledged the ineffectiveness of past such motions. Angus, in a Facebook post, expressed his potential willingness to break ranks with his party, citing concerns about Donald Trump's inauguration and the need for a plan rather than political brinkmanship.

The Conservatives have interpreted Angus's comments as a sign that the NDP will not vote to defeat the Liberals, labeling it a betrayal of Canadians. Conservative MP John Williamson has scheduled public accounts committee meetings starting January 7th to debate a non-confidence report.

This situation bears resemblance to events in 2005, when the Conservatives forced a vote on a committee report calling for the resignation of the Liberal minority government led by Prime Minister Paul Martin. The motion passed, but the Liberals insisted it was procedural, sparking debate. Ultimately, the Martin government survived further confidence votes for a few months before falling in November 2005 on a clear motion of non-confidence.

Meanwhile, New Brunswick Liberal MP Wayne Long has publicly called for Trudeau's resignation, urging other Liberal MPs to do the same. A recent Angus Reid Institute survey shows the Liberal Party's support dropping to 16%, with the Conservatives leading at 45% and the NDP at 21%.