EVEN as the Globe and Mail reported on Monday night that “the Liberal government has reached an informal agreement with the NDP to keep itself in power until 2025 in exchange for a pledge to act on dental care, pharmacare and other key issues advocated by New Democrats,” Conservative Party Leader Candice Bergen attacked the “NDP-Liberal coalition,” calling it “nothing more than a callous attempt by [Prime Minister Justin] Trudeau to hold on to power.”

Bergen said in a statement: “Canadians did not vote for an NDP government. This is little more than backdoor socialism. Trudeau is truly polarizing politics which is what he likes.

“This is an NDP-Liberal attempt at government by blackmail. Nation-building is replaced by vote-buying; secret deal-making over parliamentary debate; and opportunism over accountability.

“With rising inflation, out-of-control cost of living, and national unity at stake, Trudeau knows he is losing the confidence of Canadians.

“His answer is to stay in power at all costs including implementing the even harsher and more extreme policies of the NDP.

“If this NDP-Liberal coalition stands, Canada is in for a very rough ride.”