Carney’s Minority Government Survives 170–168 Budget Vote

Overview

• Lawmakers voted 170–168 to adopt a motion that begins House of Commons study of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s first budget.
• Passage hinged on one opposition vote and one abstention, allowing the minority Liberals to avoid an immediate election trigger.
• The government will still face further confidence-related votes as the budget advances through committee and subsequent stages.
• The plan would double the deficit to counter U.S. tariffs and expand spending on defense and housing, with proposed trims to federal staffing and fewer austerity measures than expected.
• Parliamentary dynamics remain fluid as the Conservatives contend with internal dissent and leader Pierre Poilievre heads into a formal performance review in January.