Opposition motions in the House of Commons are usually little more than political theatre. Non-binding points of principle and resolutions are made that often are voted down and are usually soon forgotten.

The motion being considered in Parliament next week is different. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s leadership and legacy may be on the line.

The motion put forth by Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is straightforward. It calls for pausing the application of the carbon tax for all forms of home heating in Canada. From a tactical perspective, the motion is a political masterstroke. No matter which way the motion goes, Trudeau loses.

The irony of this hopeless political trap is that Trudeau set it himself when he carved out a carbon tax exemption for homes using heating oil. Rather than bolstering his flagging support in Atlantic Canada with the move, Trudeau has created a political catastrophe for himself and his party.