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Carney Liberals return to House of Commons still short of a majority
Summary
The Carney Liberals return to the House two seats short of a majority after Chrystia Freeland's resignation, and the budget implementation act will be a confidence vote that could prompt an election.
Content
The Carney Liberals are returning to the House of Commons two seats short of a majority following the resignation of Chrystia Freeland. Senior party sources say efforts to attract additional MPs over the break have stalled. Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre's leadership review at the party convention the next weekend is viewed by some Liberals as potentially affecting MPs' decisions to cross the floor. Key government legislation, including the anti-hate bill C-9, has been held up at committee because committees remain under Opposition control.
Key facts:
- The Liberals are two seats shy of a majority after Freeland's resignation; Bill Blair is expected to step down for a diplomatic appointment.
- Discussions to recruit MPs from other parties reportedly occurred but have reportedly stalled; NDP MP Lori Idlout and Conservative MP Scott Anderson said they were approached.
- Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre wrote to the prime minister proposing cooperation to fast-track some bills and offered to fast-track Bill C-14 if debate on C-9 is paused.
- The budget implementation act (BIA) is at committee and will be a confidence vote when it returns to the House, meaning it could precipitate an election if it does not gain some opposition support.
- The Conservative convention and leadership review, plus expected departures such as MP Matt Jeneroux's pending resignation, are cited as factors that could influence the parliamentary arithmetic.
Summary:
The Liberals' shortfall means they lack clear control of committees and will need additional support to advance their agenda. MPs return to Ottawa next week, the Conservative convention and leadership review follow the next weekend, and the BIA's return to the House will be a key moment; outcomes are undetermined at this time.
