Carney clinches majority government in Canadian special elections

Carney clinches majority government in Canadian special elections

The parliamentary win would help the prime minister deal more effectively with the US trade war started by Donald Trump.

A parliamentary majority gave Mark Carney a freer hand to govern and strengthen his grip on Canada until at least 2029. (EPA Images pic)
OTTAWA:
Canadian prime minister Mark Carney secured a parliamentary majority for his Liberal government Monday, CBC News reported, a win that will give him the ability to push through the legislative agenda he says is needed in an increasingly uncertain and divided geopolitical world.

Three special elections were held Monday in Ontario and Quebec, with two in districts – known as ridings – that have long voted Liberal. The party has secured the riding of University—Rosedale, CBC News said, giving Carney a majority.

Carney has said a majority would help him deal more effectively with the trade war with the US started by President Donald Trump. The win takes Carney’s Liberals to 172 seats in the 343-seat House of Commons.

With a parliamentary majority, Carney will have a freer hand to govern – and solidify his grip on leading Canada until at least 2029, when national elections are due to be held next.

After five opposition legislators in five months defected to Carney’s Liberals, he should also have a slightly more comfortable margin than a single seat. Only the governments led by John A. Macdonald, Canada’s first prime minister, and Jean Chretien have seen more politicians defect to the ruling party.

Stay current - Follow FMT on WhatsApp, Google news and Telegram

Subscribe to our newsletter and get news delivered to your mailbox.