Carney Government Avoids Winter Election After Surviving Crucial Budget Vote

Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government narrowly survived a decisive budget vote on Monday night, avoiding the prospect of a snap winter election. The House of Commons passed the budget 170–168, ending weeks of speculation about the fate of the minority Liberal government.

Carney, elected in the spring on a promise to end U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff war, had spent weeks trying to secure opposition support. Four abstentions — two Conservative MPs and two New Democrats — proved critical, effectively preventing the government from falling.

The NDP and Conservative leadership officially voted against the budget, along with the Bloc Québécois. However, interim NDP Leader Don Davies noted that “Canadians do not want another election just six months after the last one” and pointed to economic challenges and uncertainty in U.S. policy.

Green Party Leader Elizabeth May also played a key role by offering crucial support. She announced her vote in favour after Carney publicly reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to meeting its Paris climate goals.

The Liberals presented the budget as a plan to “reduce spending while boosting investment in response to U.S. tariffs.” It includes nearly $90 billion in new spending over five years, largely directed toward infrastructure and capital projects.