The so-called confidence deal between the Liberals and the NDP will probably have little effect on the direction the House of Commons has been taking, says College of New Caledonia political science instructor Chris Beach.
He characterized the deal, known as a confidence-and-supply agreement, as merely formalizing what the two parties have been doing all along with the NDP propping up a minority government in exchange for support on its policy priorities.
"After two minority governments in the last three years, I don't think Trudeau wants to have another election so this might add some stability but it doesn't really change too much," Beach said.
He called the Conservatives' response a little overblown.
"The Conservatives, I think their claims are a bit false today. Power grab? No, the NDP are already supporting the Liberals and it's within the minority government's right to get those votes so they stay in power," Beach said Tuesday.
If history is any guide, Beach said the Liberals could have the most to gain as voters tend to give credit to the leading party for implementing programs that are popular even if they originated with another source.
"Maybe the most risk is for the NDP, but they might actually get some of the things they've been promising done," Beach said in reference to a plan to provide dental coverage to low-income people.
Whether the Liberals made the offer, Beach could not say, but suggested the NDP would not have wanted a full-fledged coalition that would see an MP or two from the party sitting in cabinet, because they don't want to be seen as too close to the Liberals.
Currently without a leader, an election at this point is also not in the Conservatives' interest, Beach said, but depending on how events unfold, and particularly how well the country's economy is doing, the Tories could be the ones who cash in.
"The Conservative party might have something to gain here. If the budget deficits and debt are seen to be out of control and the economy isn't doing well in a couple of years, it's Trudeau who's going to take the blame for that."
He said leadership front-runner Pierre Poliviere is more of a fiscal conservative than a social one, despite the profile he is trying to convey.
"It seems like it's his time," Beach said. "It seems like his support within the party has been growing over the last several years. "
