OTTAWA — The New Democratic Party (NDP) is weighing its options regarding the upcoming budget vote, which could prevent Canadians from facing a Christmas election. Interim NDP Leader Don Davies announced that the party is keeping all possibilities open, including abstaining from the vote. However, NDP MP Jenny Kwan has publicly stated she will not abstain.

The Liberal minority government requires support from at least one opposition party to pass the budget, which is set to be presented on Tuesday in the House of Commons. The Conservatives and the Bloc Québécois have indicated they are likely to oppose the budget.

Davies emphasized that the NDP will not take a definitive stance until its members have thoroughly reviewed the budget. "We’re going to read the budget, we’ll study it carefully, we’ll consult stakeholders, and we’re going to analyze it through the lens of whether it’s good for working people," he said. He added, "All options are on the table. Until we read the budget, we really can’t say."

Despite the party's cautious approach, Kwan's position stands out. "I will not abstain," said the MP for Vancouver East. Another NDP member, Leah Gazan, echoed the sentiment that while nothing is off the table, the party cannot support an "austerity budget."

The NDP caucus, consisting of seven members, is expected to discuss their position in two meetings: one after the budget is tabled and another during their weekly caucus gathering on Wednesday morning. The minority Liberals, holding 169 seats—three short of a majority—must secure support or abstentions from at least three opposition MPs to keep their budget and government intact in the upcoming confidence vote, which could occur as early as mid-November.

Prime Minister Mark Carney has stated he is ready to campaign for re-election if his government fails to pass the budget. He believes the budget is essential for Canadians at this critical time. "I am 100 percent confident that this budget is the right budget for this country at this moment," Carney said during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in South Korea. "This is not a game," he added.

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre was asked if his party desires an election before Christmas. He responded, "We want an affordable budget that will give Canadians an affordable life before Christmas," and noted that his party would not support measures that would increase grocery prices or housing costs.

When questioned about the possibility of abstaining, Poilievre did not provide a direct answer. "The reality is that we’re going to show up and do our jobs to fight for an affordable budget," he stated. The Bloc Québécois, with 22 MPs, has already ruled out abstaining and has outlined 18 budget demands, including increased Old Age Security payments and enhanced health transfers to provinces.

On Monday, Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne was preparing for budget day by shopping for new shoes, opting to have them made at a local business in Quebec. He described the budget as one focused on investments and growth, stating, "This is a budget that talks to everyday Canadians, the workers that you’ve seen here, the members of our Armed Forces, the innovators, the entrepreneurs, the families in Canada."

As the budget presentation approaches, discussions about the potential for an election have dominated parliamentary sessions. Davies remarked that it is up to Carney to create a budget that can gain support in a minority Parliament. "It’s not my job. I don’t hold the pen. I’m not the government," he said.

Some Conservative MPs are already preparing for a possible election, just seven months after the last one. Kevin Waugh mentioned he was counting his campaign signs, while colleague Brad Vis stated his signs are "always ready."