Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's political future hangs in the balance as a crucial ally prepares to initiate a no-confidence motion, potentially triggering an early election in the new year. Jagmeet Singh, leader of the New Democratic Party (NDP), announced his intention to table the motion when Parliament reconvenes on January 27th. This move could end Trudeau's nine-year tenure as prime minister.

Recent polls suggest the Liberal party, grappling with voter dissatisfaction over rising costs and a housing crunch, could face a significant defeat against the Conservative opposition. The NDP, while sharing a similar center-left voter base with the Liberals, has expressed concerns about Trudeau's perceived closeness to corporate interests.

Singh's declaration leaves little room for Trudeau's survival, with other opposition parties, including the Bloc Quebecois and the Conservatives, indicating their support for the motion. The timing is particularly precarious given the recent resignation of Trudeau's finance minister and the looming inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who has proposed tariffs that could negatively impact the Canadian economy.

Trudeau, facing mounting pressure to resign, recently oversaw a cabinet shuffle. While he has not yet commented on the impending no-confidence motion, sources suggest he was planning to assess his future over the holiday period. The Liberals typically elect their leaders through party conventions, a process that takes months to organize. Singh's swift action means that even if Trudeau were to resign immediately, the Liberals would likely contest the election with an interim leader – an unprecedented scenario in Canadian history.

Approximately 20 Liberal members of Parliament have publicly called for Trudeau's resignation, though his cabinet remains loyal. The political turmoil in Ottawa has also drawn criticism from provincial premiers, who are seeking a unified strategy to address potential U.S. tariffs.