Canada’s Prime Minister, Mark Carney, has secured a parliamentary majority for the Liberal Party of Canada, strengthening his ability to govern amid mounting economic pressures, including a trade dispute with U.S. President Donald Trump.
The Liberals reached 173 seats in the 343-member House of Commons after winning key by-elections in Ontario, giving Carney a working majority and removing the need to rely on opposition support to pass legislation.
Political analysts say the result significantly consolidates Carney’s authority, allowing his government to push through economic and trade measures more easily.
“He will be able to pass legislation without having to go to the opposition to secure enough votes,” said Andrew McDougall, a Canadian politics expert at the University of Toronto.
The outcome caps a dramatic political shift in Canada, where Carney, a former central banker with no prior elected experience, has rapidly strengthened his position since taking office.
His government had previously depended on backing from opposition parties to pass key economic legislation, particularly amid tensions triggered by U.S. tariffs.
The majority is expected to give Carney greater flexibility in navigating the ongoing trade dispute with Washington, which has weighed on Canada’s export-dependent economy.
Carney’s position has also been reinforced by a series of high-profile defections from opposition parties.
Five lawmakers crossed the floor to join the Liberals in recent months, including veteran Conservative politician Marilyn Gladu, who cited the need for stable leadership amid economic uncertainty.
She said Canada required “a serious leader” to deal with the impact of U.S. trade measures, praising Carney’s approach.
Such defections are rare in Canadian politics and underline the shifting political landscape, with only governments led by John A. Macdonald and Jean Chrétien having seen more lawmakers join the ruling party.
Carney’s leadership also marks a shift in focus from his predecessor, Justin Trudeau, whose government emphasised social and progressive policies.
Analysts say Carney, seen as more centrist, is prioritising economic stability as Canada faces slowing growth and global uncertainty.
“He is focused on helping Canada survive the economic turmoil, not remaking society,” said Laura Stephenson, a political science professor at the University of Western Ontario.
Recent polling suggests Carney has built a solid lead with voters.
Surveys indicate more than half of Canadians prefer him as prime minister, far ahead of Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, whose support has declined sharply since Carney took over the Liberal leadership.
Analysts say Carney’s handling of economic challenges and his positioning as a steady manager during turbulent times have resonated with voters.
“Carney has done a fairly good job showing Canadians he can handle Trump,” McDougall said.
With a majority secured, Carney is now expected to remain in power until the next scheduled federal election in 2029.
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