Conservatives and Liberals discuss deals as PM downplays election talk

Sources tell CBC that behind-the-scenes talks between Conservatives and Liberals are under way to find agreements that could keep the government functioning, while Prime Minister Mark Carney has publicly downplayed the likelihood of a spring election.

Liberals and Conservatives are reported to be negotiating behind the scenes to find ways to keep the government in office, while Prime Minister Mark Carney has publicly downplayed talk of a spring election. The talks come as the Liberals remain three seats short of a majority and face challenges passing key legislation. Carney met one-on-one with Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre last week, and both leaders signalled a more collaborative tone compared with the fall sitting. Several bills are being discussed for potential amendments as committees resume work. What we know: - Sources told CBC that parties are working on possible deals that could end parliamentary gridlock and potentially avoid a second federal election in 12 months. - When asked about an election, Prime Minister Mark Carney said publically that more work is needed and downplayed imminent voting. - The Liberals remain three seats shy of a majority and have expressed concern about passing the Budget Implementation Act, which is expected to be treated as a confidence vote. - Carney and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre met and discussed cooperation; Poilievre raised issues including lower taxes, a smaller deficit, and policies on affordability and trade. - Lawmakers are discussing potential amendments to a more-than-600-page omnibus bill, debate over justice bill C-9 and its controversial elements, and possible changes to cybersecurity bill C-8. - A justice committee meeting was cancelled at short notice while discussions continue; sources described options such as tabling another bill incorporating parts of C-9 to fast-track broadly supported items. Summary: If parties reach agreements, they could help the government win support for key legislation and reduce the chance of an election this spring. The Budget Implementation Act vote remains a potential trigger, and negotiations over amendments to the omnibus bill, C-9 and C-8 are ongoing. Undetermined at this time.