TORONTO (AP) — The party that governs Canada will be able to remain in power until 2025 thanks to an agreement with the main opposition party.
The Liberal Party reached an agreement with the opposition New Democratic Party, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Tuesday.
“What this means is that, in these uncertain times, the government will be able to function with stability and predictability, be able to draft and implement budgets, and comply with the Canadian people,” Trudeau said.
The Liberal Party won re-election in September, but did not win a majority of seats in Parliament, so it had to forge alliances in order to pass laws. The leftist NPD will support the Liberals in exchange for agreements on pharmaceutical and dental plans, but will have no members in Trudeau's cabinet.
“We agreed to work together,” Trudeau said. “It's about focusing on what we agree on and not what we disagree on.”
A few weeks ago, large numbers of truck drivers and other protesters blocked parts of Ottawa, the capital, protesting against the restrictions put in place to combat the coronavirus and demanding Trudeau's exit.
In theory, Trudeau could run again in the next election, due to be held in 2025. But it is doubtful that he will do so since by then he will have been in power for 10 years, his popularity ratings have fallen and great animosity has arisen towards him in western Canada.
Trudeau continues to be remembered for the optimistic tone he expressed when he took office in 2015 at the age of 43, being the second youngest prime minister in Canadian history. He has suffered setbacks since then, but has been re-elected twice.
Tall and thin, Trudeau remembers for many his father, Pierre Trudeau, who rose to power in 1968 and enjoyed high popularity.
Pierre Trudeau, who was prime minister until 1984, is one of the few Canadian politicians known in the United States, where because of his charisma, many compare him to John F. Kennedy.