Carney Secures Slim Majority After By-Election Wins

By Blessing Nweke

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has secured a narrow majority in the House of Commons after his Liberal Party was projected to win at least two key by-elections, strengthening its grip on power.

The victories in Toronto-area ridings Scarborough Southwest and University–Rosedale give the Liberals an estimated 173 of 343 seats, just enough for a governing majority. Canadian broadcasters projected the results late Monday, while a third contest in Quebec’s Terrebonne riding remained too close to call.

The gains come a year after Carney took office and follow a string of defections from opposition lawmakers, with five MPs crossing the floor to join the Liberals in recent months. The combined effect has delivered a rare path to majority without a general election.

With control of the chamber, Carney’s government can now pass legislation without relying on opposition support and could potentially delay the next federal election until 2029.

The Toronto seats became vacant after former defence minister Bill Blair was appointed ambassador to the United Kingdom, and former deputy prime minister Chrystia Freeland stepped down to take on an advisory role in Ukraine.

Carney congratulated Liberal candidates Danielle Martin and Doly Begum following their projected wins. Meanwhile, in Terrebonne, Liberal candidate Tatiana Auguste held a slim lead over Bloc Québécois rival Nathalie Sinclair- Desgagné with early ballots counted.

Opposition leaders criticised the outcome, arguing the majority was achieved through political maneuvering rather than a nationwide vote. Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre accused the Liberals of relying on “backroom deals” and pledged continued resistance.

The result marks a dramatic turnaround for the Liberals, who had faced electoral uncertainty before Carney replaced former prime minister Justin Trudeau earlier this year.