Liberal Party members are convening in Montreal for a key policy convention as Prime Minister Mark Carney’s leadership brings the party to the brink of securing a majority government.
The three-day convention comes at a moment of strong momentum for the Liberals, following multiple floor crossings in Parliament that have significantly boosted their seat count. With just a few more seats needed to reach a majority in the House of Commons, the party is widely expected to cross that threshold in the coming days.
This gathering marks a notable shift for the party, as it is the first major convention in over a decade not dominated by former prime minister Justin Trudeau’s leadership. Instead, Carney — who assumed leadership last year — is set to deliver a major address on Saturday, offering party members a clearer sense of his vision and direction.
Party insiders say enthusiasm is high, with strong national polling and growing support across regions. However, the influx of MPs from different political backgrounds has also introduced new challenges, as the party works to balance a broader range of ideological perspectives within its ranks.
The timing of the convention is also strategic, taking place just days before three federal byelections. While two of the contests are considered safe Liberal seats, a third race in Quebec remains competitive. Even so, recent gains mean the outcome of these byelections is no longer critical to achieving a majority.
The convention agenda includes discussions on key policy areas such as electoral reform, social media regulations for minors, and limits on the use of the notwithstanding clause. Senior cabinet ministers and prominent figures are also expected to participate in panels, alongside guest speakers from fields including accessibility advocacy and artificial intelligence.
As the Liberals ride a wave of political momentum, the convention is expected to serve both as a platform to unify the party and as a signal of its readiness to govern with a stronger mandate.
