Opposition push to set up probe could force Canada election

Justin Trudeau’s mirity Liberal government said Monday an opposition push for an anti-corruption committee will trigger a vote that could force a fall election in Cana.

Liberal House Leer Pablo Rodriguez said government considers Conservative motion to be a matter of confidence. Trudeau’s Liberal party won re-election last year but does t have majority of seats in Parliament and must rely on at least one opposition party to remain in power.

Trudeau said he doesn't want an election and said his government is focused on health and ecomic crisis during pandemic.

“ opposition is going to have to decide wher y want to make this mirity government work or if y have lost confidence in government,” Trudeau said.

opposition Conservatives, New Democrats and Bloc Quebecois have argued Liberals are avoiding scrutiny of contracts and programs set up to deal with COVID-19 pandemic. Liberals temporarily closed Parliament in August, which shut down work of existing committees probing We Charity deal.

Trudeau has said he should have recused himself from a Cabinet decision to award a contract to We Charity to minister money to students having trouble finding work due to pandemic. almost billion-dollar program came under scrutiny after it was revealed that We Charity, an organization Trudeau’s family has worked for, was chosen to minister it. Trudeau’s wife, bror and mor have been paid a combined $300,000 Canian (US$221,000) for speaking at a number of WE events.

Conservatives said committee could explore WE Charity deal. Rodriguez said motion would allow opposition to pull cabinet ministers from ir work and require m to testify “day-after-day.”

parties will debate motion and a vote is expected as soon as Wednesday.

Nelson Wiseman, a political science professor at University of Toronto, does t anticipate an election. He expects Quebec-based Bloc Quebecois party to prop up government if it comes to a vote.

“ Conservatives make it sound as if case is open and shut on Liberal corruption and Liberals make it appear as if y have something to cover up,” Wiseman said. “ WE scandal is t as big an issue in Quebec and I believe BQ fears that both Liberals and Conservatives may make gains in Quebec at ir expense in a snap election.”