Canadian Parliament Approves Federal Budget
The Canadian Parliament has approved the first federal budget proposed by Prime Minister Mark Carney's minority Liberal government. The vote, which concluded with 170 in favor and 168 against, enables the government to avoid an early election.
Budget Overview
The fiscal plan projects Canada's deficit at C$78 billion ($55.3 billion; £42.47 billion). Prime Minister Carney defended the budget, characterizing it as a "generational investment" intended to bolster Canada's economy.
Parliamentary Dynamics and Vote
The approval was contingent on support from opposition Members of Parliament (MPs), as the Liberal government currently holds two fewer seats than a majority. Key factors in the vote included:
- Green Party Support: Green Party leader Elizabeth May voted in favor, stating her decision was based on commitments from Prime Minister Carney regarding Canada's climate targets.
- Abstentions: Two NDP MPs, along with House Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia, abstained from the vote. Conservative MPs Shannon Stubbs and Matt Jeneroux, who had previously announced his resignation, also abstained.
- Opposition: The Conservative Party, led by Pierre Poilievre, and the Bloc Québécois voted against the budget. They expressed concerns about affordability and the cost-of-living crisis, with Poilievre labeling the budget a "credit card budget."
- Internal Concerns: Liberal MP Nathaniel Erskine-Smith, while supporting the budget, raised concerns that it did not adequately address Canada's housing crisis or advance climate action.