OTTAWA — The minority Liberal government is facing a critical test on Friday as Members of Parliament (MPs) prepare to vote on a Bloc Québécois amendment to the budget. This marks the second confidence vote in just two days.

The Bloc’s motion urges the House of Commons to reject the government’s budget. The party argues that the budget will negatively impact Quebec by not increasing provincial health and old age security transfers for seniors aged 65 to 74, and by failing to adequately address climate change.

It remains uncertain whether any other political party will support this amendment. The Liberals have indicated that a vote in favor of the Bloc’s motion would be considered a vote of confidence in the government. If the motion passes, it could lead to the government’s collapse and trigger an early election in Canada. However, it appears unlikely that a majority of MPs will back the Bloc’s proposal.

Bloc Leader Yves-François Blanchet reiterated his party’s long-term goal of Quebec's independence during his response to the budget earlier this week. "I believe that Quebeckers should be promoting their own major project," he stated. "That project is, of course, an independent Quebec. That is the project that deserves our vote. It will be called the country of Quebec. That will be our sole identity."

This vote follows a previous confidence vote on the Liberals’ budget that took place less than 24 hours earlier. On Thursday evening, a Conservative sub-amendment aimed at reducing the deficit and establishing a clear plan for expanding oil and gas pipelines was defeated. The vote saw support from the Liberals, the Bloc, the New Democratic Party (NDP), and Green Party Leader Elizabeth May. Notably, several Conservative MPs were absent, including Alberta MP Matt Jeneroux, who recently announced his resignation.

Interim NDP Leader Don Davies expressed that his party could not endorse a motion that proposed deeper cuts. Meanwhile, the Bloc has indicated its opposition to promoting additional oil pipelines.

A third confidence vote on the budget itself is scheduled for as early as November 17, following a break week for MPs to observe Remembrance Day.