Liberals pass federal budget, avoiding SNAP election

Prime Minister Mark Carney’s minority Liberal government narrowly pushed its federal budget through a high-stakes confidence vote on Monday, winning 170–168 and sidestepping the prospect of an election during the holiday season. With the Liberals two seats short of a majority and both the Conservatives and Bloc Québécois firmly opposed to the budget, the government needed outside help — or strategic abstentions — to survive. In the end, five MPs abstained, including two NDP members, Lori Idlout and Gord Johns, as well as Conservative MP Shannon Stubbs, who is on medical leave, and Conservative MP Matt Jeneroux, who has recently announced his departure from politics. Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia also abstained, as is procedure.

Interim NDP Leader Don Davies said his caucus does not support the budget but also did not want to trigger an election, arguing that Canadians, particularly amid economic uncertainty, aren’t looking for a trip to the polls. While most New Democrats voted against the budget, the abstentions were enough to keep the government afloat. The Greens ultimately supported the budget after Leader Elizabeth May received a personal commitment from Carney that Canada would meet its Paris climate targets — a pledge that shifted her from leaning “no” to voting “yes.” Meanwhile, the Bloc Quebecois remained opposed, saying the budget failed to address their non-negotiable conditions.

This vote follows two earlier budget-related confidence tests that the government also survived. With Monday’s passage, Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne can now introduce the budget implementation bill, a sweeping legislative package required to enact key measures. Speaking earlier in the day, Carney said Canadians want to see investments in the country rather than austerity. The 2025 budget reflects that approach: it boosts generational spending while allowing the deficit to rise to a projected $78.3 billion next year. The plan lays out $141 billion in new spending over five years, partially offset by $51.2 billion in savings, and includes $32.5 billion in new capital investments. Despite rising deficits, the government forecasts a return to a modest operating surplus by 2028–29.