Canadas Special Election: Carney Vows to Prioritize Affordability

Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney has secured a parliamentary majority for his centrist Liberal government after winning three key by-elections in the House of Commons. The Liberals now hold 174 seats out of 343 total seats.

The by-elections took place in the Ontario ridings of University–Rosedale and Scarborough Southwest, as well as the Quebec riding of Terrebonne. The results were announced on Monday.

In a statement following the victory, Carney expressed his gratitude to voters for their support. He stated that affordability and the economy would remain his government’s priorities. Carney also announced that Canada will suspend the federal fuel excise tax on petrol and diesel from April 20 to September 7.

The move is expected to cut petrol prices by about 10 cents Canadian (US$0.07) a litre and diesel costs by four cents (US$0.03). Carney explained that this measure would reduce operating costs for truckers and businesses in the food, agriculture, housing, construction, and delivery sectors.

With a majority now secured, the Liberals are expected to pass legislation without relying on opposition support. Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre criticized the Liberal Party’s reliance on “backroom deals” to secure their majority, citing instances of politicians switching party allegiance to the Liberals.

Carney had already bolstered his ranks in the House of Commons through defections from other parties. A total of five members of Parliament (MPs) switched parties over the past five months. The Liberals successfully defended their seat in the University–Rosedale riding and held onto a Liberal seat in Scarborough Southwest, where Doly Begum won re-election.

The by-election victories reinforced the Liberals’ dominant position in the House of Commons.

Source: Al Jazeera