Carney suspends Canada’s fuel tax in first act after securing a majority government

In his first act after securing a majority government, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney suspended the federal fuel tax on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. The suspension, effective from next Monday until Labor Day (Sept. 7), is a response to rising fuel prices due to the Iran war. Carney called it a temporary measure to reduce costs for consumers and businesses, especially truckers. His Liberal party now holds 174 of 343 seats in the House of Commons, achieving a majority after winning three vacant districts and several defections from opposition parties. Carney aims to focus on affordability, housing, and accelerating economic projects, having initially won the election last year amid public anger over U.S. President Trump's annexation threats.

In April 2026, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and the Liberal government secured a parliamentary majority in the House of Commons after winning three key by-elections in Ontario and Quebec. This victory allows the Liberals to advance their agenda without relying on opposition support. Following the election results, Carney stated that affordability and the economy would be his central priorities. To address rising prices, the government will suspend the federal fuel excise tax on petrol and diesel from April 20 to September 7, which is expected to reduce prices. The Liberal Party had previously relied on Conservative support to pass economic legislation, but this is no longer necessary with the new majority.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and the Liberal party have secured a majority government following a special election, as reported by CBC News. The Liberals won the riding of University-Rosedale in Ontario, previously held by Chrystia Freeland, contributing to a total of 172 seats in the 343-seat House of Commons. This majority will allow Carney to more easily pass legislation, particularly concerning trade issues with the U.S., without relying on opposition support. A majority government also provides Carney with more control over the timing of the next election, potentially solidifying his leadership until 2029. The Liberal party has also seen several opposition legislators defect to their party in recent months, further strengthening Carney's position.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and the Liberal party secured a majority government following special election wins on Monday. Voters in three vacant parliamentary districts cast ballots, with Liberal candidates Danielle Martin and Doly Begum winning in the Toronto districts of University-Rosedale and Scarborough Southwest, respectively. A result for a Quebec district was expected later. These victories allow the Liberal party to pass legislation without relying on opposition support. The outcome means the Liberal party could potentially remain in power until 2029.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's Liberal party is close to securing a majority government as special elections are held Monday in three districts: two in Toronto and one in Montreal. The Liberals currently hold 171 seats in Parliament and need 172 for a majority, which would allow them to pass legislation without relying on other parties. Winning just one of the three districts would give Carney's Liberals the majority they need. Five defections from opposition parties have put the Liberals on the verge of this goal. Results of the special elections are expected Monday night. A majority government could allow the Liberals to remain in power until 2029 without another general election.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is on the verge of securing a majority government for the Liberal party. This is due to expected wins in upcoming byelections and a series of defections from rival Conservative and New Democratic parties. These shifts across party lines are considered unusual during a minority government. Analysts suggest that the political climate, influenced by Donald Trump's actions towards Canada, has fostered a desire for stability and a sense of national unity. This has led some politicians to prioritize a unified front over partisan politics, contributing to Carney's strengthened position and reputation as a pragmatic leader. The byelections on Monday will likely determine if the Liberals gain command of parliament.

Prime Minister Carney's Liberal party is poised to secure a narrow majority government, potentially solidified by wins in Toronto by-elections. Carney has also attracted five opposition MPs to defect to the Liberals, a trend described as "extraordinary" by a University of Toronto professor. This influx of diverse political views has raised concerns about ideological coherence within the Liberal party, particularly regarding social issues like abortion, as Carney defends his party's values. The shift towards a more conservative stance under Carney, including ending Trudeau-era policies, has made the Liberals more appealing to right-leaning MPs. This has angered Conservatives, who accuse the Liberals of "backroom deals" and undemocratic practices, while also highlighting internal dissatisfaction with Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre. Further defections to the Liberals are rumored.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's Liberal Party is nearing a parliamentary majority after Conservative MP Marilyn Gladu defected to the Liberals on Wednesday. This marks the fourth Conservative and fifth opposition legislator to join the ruling Liberals since November. The Liberals now hold 171 of 343 seats, one short of a majority, and are expected to gain more in upcoming special elections. Carney claims a majority is needed to address trade issues with the U.S., while Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre accuses Carney of orchestrating the defections through "back room deals." Political scientists note the high rate of defections to the ruling party is unprecedented in modern Canadian politics, potentially allowing Carney to remain in power until 2029.