Canada's Liberal Party Secures Parliamentary Majority, Boosting Carney's Agenda

Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney has secured a parliamentary majority for his centrist Liberal government, strengthening his hold on power and allowing him to advance his agenda without relying on opposition support.

The Liberals now hold 174 seats in the 343-seat House of Commons of Canada after winning key by-elections in three ridings, or electoral districts, on Monday.

In a statement following the victory, Carney signalled that affordability and the economy would remain his central priorities. He added that voters had “placed their trust” in his government.

“We accept their support with humility, determination, and a clear understanding of what this moment demands for our country,” Carney said on Tuesday.

He also announced that Canada will suspend the federal fuel excise tax on petrol and diesel from April 20 to September 7 to help consumers cope with rising prices. The move, Carney explained, 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).

Analysts say the Liberal majority reflects voter concerns about the economy. A former governor of the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England, Carney is seen as more fiscally savvy than his predecessors.

“He is focused on helping Canada survive the economic turmoil, not remaking society,” said Laura Stephenson, chair of the political science department at the University of Western Ontario. “When we’re in tough times like this, there are different calculations being made.”