OTTAWA – Prime Minister Mark Carney inched toward a House of Commons majority Wednesday as a New Democratic Party lawmaker crossed the floor to join his centrist Liberals, bolstering efforts to combat U.S. tariffs.
The minority government, formed after last April’s election, relies on opposition backing for vital bills like budgets, a drag Carney blames for hobbling responses to U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade barriers. In a statement, Carney welcomed NDP MP Lori Idlout, who holds the vast Arctic riding of Nunavut, as her fourth such defection since November lifts Liberals to 170 seats in the 343-member chamber, just two shy of control.
April 13 by-elections loom in three vacant Liberal-held ridings, including two strongholds; securing two would hand Carney commanding sway. That stability could extend his mandate through October 2029, as federal votes occur no later than every four years.
Carney hailed the unity at a pivotal juncture: “Canadians are uniting to forge a robust future.” Idlout echoed the call, stressing ramped-up defense for the sparsely populated Arctic amid sovereignty risks and northern hardships. “We demand a bold government deciding with Nunavut, not just for it,” she declared.