Five Weeks In: A Government Already in Gridlock? Where is the Prime Minister?

It has been just over five weeks since Prime Minister Jacob H. Webster and his Conservative–NDP coalition government took power, but the early signs suggest turbulence rather than stability.

The government came to office with a modest Throne Speech that promised practical reforms and a fresh start for Parliament. A 12–2 vote in the House secured its passage, but since then the government has struggled to maintain momentum. The Prime Minister himself has been absent for the past two weeks, raising concerns about leadership at a crucial time.

In the meantime, the New Democrats — junior partners in the coalition — appointed two new cabinet ministers. One failed to attend their very first sitting of Parliament. The other, CalixxChann, newly installed as Minister of Justice and Attorney General, immediately stirred controversy with sweeping proposals to alter RCMP procedures. His plan would require every single arrest made by the RCMP to be manually reported to the Director of Public Prosecutions, despite the fact that an automated system already exists. The move blindsided both the RCMP administration and the officers’ union, neither of whom were consulted — despite the Throne Speech’s promise of dialogue with all parties affected in changing legislation.

Tensions worsened when a subsequent bill amending the Director of Public Prosecutions Act was introduced to merge the Justice Minister’s ideas. To the astonishment of observers, the government’s own benches opposed it. The failed bill underscored a deepening rift inside the coalition, revealing cracks between Conservatives and New Democrats only a month into governing.

The fallout has already reached the Red Chamber. PolyKeith, Life Senator for Quebec, minced no words in his Senate address:

PolyKeith - Life Senator for Quebec addressing the Senate 8/16/2025

“This government needs to get its act together.”

Adding to the unease is the unexplained absence of the Deputy Prime Minister also absent from the chamber this week, leaving Canadians to wonder: Who is actually steering the ship?

For a government elected on promises of renewal and competence, the early days have been marred by missed opportunities, confusion, and growing doubts about its ability to govern effectively. Voters will be watching closely to see whether Prime Minister Webster can reassert control — or whether the coalition is destined to stumble before it ever finds its footing.