Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberals gained a parliamentary majority after winning two Toronto by-elections, strengthening his hand amid US tensions.
TORONTO: Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberal Party secured a parliamentary majority on Monday. The victory came after decisive wins in two Toronto by-elections, boosting the government’s mandate.
The Liberals easily held two Toronto districts where they have long dominated, CBC projected. A third race in Quebec’s Terrebonne district remained too close to call.
These wins give the Liberals full control of parliament without needing the speaker’s tie-breaking vote. Carney’s party had fallen just short of a majority in the general election a year ago.
The Prime Minister has focused his message squarely on responding to US President Donald Trump. He argues Trump has upended the global order, requiring bold Canadian action.
Carney has announced massive increases in military spending, insisting Canada can no longer rely on Washington. He has also travelled globally seeking new trade deals in Asia and Europe.
Liberal poll numbers are now higher than a year ago. The party has also engineered several defections from opposition benches, poaching four Conservatives and one New Democratic lawmaker.
“Members of parliament have switched sides to join our team,” Carney told a Liberal gathering. “They understand how important the stakes are.”
Canadians have been rattled by Trump’s return to power and his threats. The US president has imposed tariffs causing job losses and mocked Carney as a US “governor”.
University of Ottawa political scientist Genevieve Tellier said Carney built momentum by “emphasizing the historic moment we are living through.” She noted his high popularity ratings one year into power.
In central Toronto, volunteer Jeyaram Duraisingam praised Carney for asserting Canadian sovereignty. “He’s willing to go out there and connect with Europe,” Duraisingam said.
Despite its strength, the government faces emerging vulnerabilities over the cost of living. Grocery prices are up more than 20% since 2022 and unemployment sits at 6.7%.
Opposition parties argue Carney’s rhetoric on economic transformation has not made life more affordable. A recent poll found acute cost-of-living concerns among lower-income Canadians.
