Liberals Secure Majority Government in Byelection

Liberals win majority government, CBC News projects Prime Minister Mark Carney's Liberals have secured a majority government with wins in all three byelections. The Liberals were just one seat shy of a majority after five opposition politicians broke ranks to join the ruling party in recent months. Candidates Doly Begum in Scarborough Southwest, Danielle Martin in University-Rosedale and Tatiana Auguste in Terrebonne pushed the Liberals past that threshold. The wins bring the Liberals up to 174 seats, putting them on more solid ground as they push their agenda through the House of Commons. At Issue | Carney’s majority government 'Tonight truly belongs to you' Liberal MP-elect Doly Begum dedicates victory to her late husband Liberals secure majority government with byelection wins Carney, Liberals 'earned an even more powerful mandate' says new University—Rosedale MP-elect Liberals win majority government, CBC News projects 'It's going to be a long night' in tight Terrebonne byelection, Joly says ‘It started to be a local campaign,’ says Bloc house leader on campaigning in Terrebonne Liberals on edge of Canada's 1st majority government since 2019 Liberals poised to secure majority. How did we get here? Even with majority, Liberals will need rules changes to control committees Newly minted Liberals celebrate crossing over at party convention Taking the temperature in Terrebonne, Que., as advance voting wraps up in federal byelection Why are politicians allowed to switch parties? April 1428 minutes agoLiberals retake Terrebonne, adding to their majorityCatharine TunneyTerrebonne will once again be represented by Liberal Tatiana Auguste, CBC News projects. That brings the Liberals up to 174 seats, putting them on more solid ground as they push their agenda through the House of Commons. It also signals that Carney hasn't lost his shine in Quebec since the last general election.It's been a hell of a ride for Auguste, who won the riding last spring by one vote and saw that result later annulled by the country's top court. She appears to have a more sturdy hold this time around. Copy the link to this update: Liberals retake Terrebonne, adding to their majority Liberals retake Terrebonne, adding to their majority Terrebonne will once again be represented by Liberal Tatiana Auguste, CBC News projects. That brings the Liberals up to 174 seats, putting them on more solid ground as they push their agenda through the House of Commons. It also signals that Carney hasn't lost his shine in Quebec since the last general election. It's been a hell of a ride for Auguste, who won the riding last spring by one vote and saw that result later annulled by the country's top court. She appears to have a more sturdy hold this time around. April 1347 minutes agoWhat would trigger a recount? Catharine TunneyWhile the spread in Terrebonne is more than one vote, it's still proving to be a tight race. Could we see another recount? That depends on what the final tallies are.According to Canada's election rules, a recount is automatically triggered when a candidate wins by less than 0.1 per cent of the overall vote in that riding. Last spring the Bloc seemed to win by 44 votes, triggering a recount, which flipped back to the Liberals by one. A recount can also be requested if someone believes that the ballot count was improperly carried out. A person who requests a recount must do so in writing, provide their reasoning for the request and make a $250 deposit.Copy the link to this update: What would trigger a recount? What would trigger a recount? While the spread in Terrebonne is more than one vote, it's still proving to be a tight race. Could we see another recount? That depends on what the final tallies are. According to Canada's election rules, a recount is automatically triggered when a candidate wins by less than 0.1 per cent of the overall vote in that riding. Last spring the Bloc seemed to win by 44 votes, triggering a recount, which flipped back to the Liberals by one. A recount can also be requested if someone believes that the ballot count was improperly carried out. A person who requests a recount must do so in writing, provide their reasoning for the request and make a $250 deposit. 1 hour agoWhy are results in Terrebonne coming in this quickly?Darren MajorAs we've noted earlier, Elections Canada warned that the number of candidates running in the Montreal suburb could slow the count based on past experiences.But the results have been steadily coming in throughout the night and we're not seeing the counting delays that we've had in previous long ballot protests, where results weren't called until the next morning.That's likely the write-in ballot at work. It's easier for counters and scrutineers to check for a single name rather than go over a metre-long ballot to ensure only one name was selected.Copy the link to this update: Why are results in Terrebonne coming in this quickly? Why are results in Terrebonne coming in this quickly? As we've noted earlier, Elections Canada warned that the number of candidates running in the Montreal suburb could slow the count based on past experiences. But the results have been steadily coming in throughout the night and we're not seeing the counting delays that we've had in previous long ballot protests, where results weren't called until the next morning. That's likely the write-in ballot at work. It's easier for counters and scrutineers to check for a single name rather than go over a metre-long ballot to ensure only one name was selected. 2 hours agoNo decision yet in TerrebonneCatharine TunneyThe Liberals are so far projected to win two of the three byelections tonight, but results are still coming in for the Montreal-area riding of Terrebonne. The Liberal candidate has pulled ahead of the Bloc, but the two have been neck and neck all night. Elections Canada said the count would be slow, but as of 10:55 p.m. ET, we have more than 70 per cent of polls reporting.Copy the link to this update: No decision yet in Terrebonne No decision yet in Terrebonne The Liberals are so far projected to win two of the three byelections tonight, but results are still coming in for the Montreal-area riding of Terrebonne. The Liberal candidate has pulled ahead of the Bloc, but the two have been neck and neck all night. Elections Canada said the count would be slow, but as of 10:55 p.m. ET, we have more than 70 per cent of polls reporting. 2 hours ago'Tonight we celebrate a new beginning,' says BegumAlina Snisarenko'Tonight truly belongs to you' Liberal MP-elect Doly Begum dedicates victory to her late husband2 hours ago|Duration 2:16Liberal candidate Doly Begum thanks her constituents and late husband, Rizuan, in her victory speech after she was declared the projected winner of the Scarborough Southwest byelection on Monday. Prime Minister Mark Carney's Liberals secured a majority government with projected wins in two Toronto ridings. Begum is now speaking in front of her supporters. She was briefly joined on stage by Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree, who introduced her.Begum, smiling, thanked her supporters and the community for her win. "I am so proud of each and every single one of you," she said, "and what we've accomplished together."Tonight we celebrate a new beginning."Begum went on, after a brief pause, to talk about her late husband. "To my dearest Rizuan … this victory belongs to you." Copy the link to this update: 'Tonight we celebrate a new beginning,' says Begum 'Tonight we celebrate a new beginning,' says Begum 'Tonight truly belongs to you' Liberal MP-elect Doly Begum dedicates victory to her late husband Liberal candidate Doly Begum thanks her constituents and late husband, Rizuan, in her victory speech after she was declared the projected winner of the Scarborough Southwest byelection on Monday. Prime Minister Mark Carney's Liberals secured a majority government with projected wins in two Toronto ridings. Begum is now speaking in front of her supporters. She was briefly joined on stage by Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree, who introduced her. Begum, smiling, thanked her supporters and the community for her win. "I am so proud of each and every single one of you," she said, "and what we've accomplished together. "Tonight we celebrate a new beginning." Begum went on, after a brief pause, to talk about her late husband. "To my dearest Rizuan … this victory belongs to you." 2 hours agoAn eruption of cheers as Begum wins Scarborough Southwest Alina SnisarenkoQueen's We Will Rock You just blasted over the speakers here at Liberal HQ in Scarborough Southwest. Cheers drowned out the music as the results gave the Liberals a victory here in Scarborough Southwest, with chants of "Doly, Doly, Doly," filling the banquet hall.Copy the link to this update: An eruption of cheers as Begum wins Scarborough Southwest An eruption of cheers as Begum wins Scarborough Southwest Queen's We Will Rock You just blasted over the speakers here at Liberal HQ in Scarborough Southwest. Cheers drowned out the music as the results gave the Liberals a victory here in Scarborough Southwest, with chants of "Doly, Doly, Doly," filling the banquet hall. 2 hours agoPoilievre says he's forging aheadDarren MajorDespite having less leverage in the House of Commons, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre says he will forge ahead in opposition — and criticized the Liberals for how they went about gaining their majority."The Carney Liberals did not win a majority government through a general election or today's byelections. Instead, it was won through backroom deals with politicians who betrayed the people who voted for them," Poilievre wrote in a social media post."Liberals expect Canadians to give up, get complacent and go away, so Carney can have total power without any accountability. That will not happen. Our country and its people are worth fighting for."Although some of his former MPs helped Carney gain this majority via floor-crossing, Poilievre says he intends to stay on as leader."I will continue to lead that fight every day and in every way in Parliament, across the country and in the next election, when Canadians will reclaim the country we know and love."Copy the link to this update: Poilievre says he's forging ahead Poilievre says he's forging ahead Despite having less leverage in the House of Commons, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre says he will forge ahead in opposition — and criticized the Liberals for how they went about gaining their majority. "The Carney Liberals did not win a majority government through a general election or today's byelections. Instead, it was won through backroom deals with politicians who betrayed the people who voted for them," Poilievre wrote in a social media post. "Liberals expect Canadians to give up, get complacent and go away, so Carney can have total power without any accountability. That will not happen. Our country and its people are worth fighting for." Although some of his former MPs helped Carney gain this majority via floor-crossing, Poilievre says he intends to stay on as leader. "I will continue to lead that fight every day and in every way in Parliament, across the country and in the next election, when Canadians will reclaim the country we know and love." 2 hours agoLiberals' new majority mandate won't be quiet, says MartinCatharine TunneyCarney, Liberals 'earned an even more powerful mandate' says new University—Rosedale MP-elect2 hours ago|Duration 0:54Liberal candidate Danielle Martin delivered her victory speech after winning the byelection in the federal riding of University-Rosedale on Monday, securing a slim majority for Prime Minister Mark Carney's government. MP-elect Danielle Martin promised supporters who gathered Monday night from the riding of University-Rosedale that Liberals will be bold with their new majority mandate. "As of tonight, Mark Carney and our entire incredible Liberal team have earned an even more powerful mandate to continue building a better Canada," she said to cheers from the crowd."This is not a mandate to be quiet. It is not a mandate to take our time. It is a mandate to get to work on housing, on affordability, on health care and climate change and infrastructure, on the future of our economy and the public services that are more important to this country than ever."Copy the link to this update: Liberals' new majority mandate won't be quiet, says Martin Liberals' new majority mandate won't be quiet, says Martin Carney, Liberals 'earned an even more powerful mandate' says new University—Rosedale MP-elect Liberal candidate Danielle Martin delivered her victory speech after winning the byelection in the federal riding of University-Rosedale on Monday, securing a slim majority for Prime Minister Mark Carney's government. MP-elect Danielle Martin promised supporters who gathered Monday night from the riding of University-Rosedale that Liberals will be bold with their new majority mandate. "As of tonight, Mark Carney and our entire incredible Liberal team have earned an even more powerful mandate to continue building a better Canada," she said to cheers from the crowd. "This is not a mandate to be quiet. It is not a mandate to take our time. It is a mandate to get to work on housing, on affordability, on health care and climate change and infrastructure, on the future of our economy and the public services that are more important to this country than ever." 2 hours agoWhen is a majority a majority?Darren MajorAlthough CBC News projected that the Liberals will now form a majority, it doesn't mean Carney will walk into the House of Commons tomorrow with the most seats on his side of the aisle.Once the ballots are tallied, Elections Canada will need to verify the results — essentially double-checking the numbers to make sure everything adds up.After that, the returning officer will need to send back the election writ — a.k.a., officially notify Elections Canada HQ of the results.And even then, it's not official until Elections Canada lets the House know the results and they are posted in the Canada Gazette.All that being said, it could take a few weeks before the new MPs are sworn in.Copy the link to this update: When is a majority a majority? When is a majority a majority? Although CBC News projected that the Liberals will now form a majority, it doesn't mean Carney will walk into the House of Commons tomorrow with the most seats on his side of the aisle. Once the ballots are tallied, Elections Canada will need to verify the results — essentially double-checking the numbers to make sure everything adds up. After that, the returning officer will need to send back the election writ — a.k.a., officially notify Elections Canada HQ of the results. And even then, it's not official until Elections Canada lets the House know the results and they are posted in the Canada Gazette. All that being said, it could take a few weeks before the new MPs are sworn in. 2 hours agoProrogation? Not likelyDarren MajorEven with majority, Liberals will need rules changes to control committees6 hours ago|Duration 6:02Former House of Commons senior parliamentary counsel Steven Chaplin says he can't find a precedent anywhere in the Commonwealth for a government assembling a majority by 'bits and pieces,' and explains why the opposition could still hold up Liberal legislation unless they change House rules to reset committees. There's been speculation in the Ottawa bubble on whether Carney will prorogue Parliament with a majority — a sort of reset option that ends the current session and starts a new one.Carney has said he is "absolutely not" considering it — but there's some reason to think that would be a feasible move.As it stands, the Liberals do not control House committees and the opposition could use those committees to hold up legislation with which they disagree. Proroguing typically resets committee standings, which are made to reflect the proportion of seats a party has in the House. But MPs unanimously passed a motion in June that locked the committee standings for the duration of the 45th Parliament.Prorogation won't undo that motion, but a subsequent motion can. That's why the 173 seat majority is key — with 172 seats the Liberals would be tied with the opposition and the Speaker would likely vote down a committee reset motion because he is bound by convention to uphold the status quo.Copy the link to this update: Prorogation? Not likely Even with majority, Liberals will need rules changes to control committees Former House of Commons senior parliamentary counsel Steven Chaplin says he can't find a precedent anywhere in the Commonwealth for a government assembling a majority by 'bits and pieces,' and explains why the opposition could still hold up Liberal legislation unless they change House rules to reset committees. There's been speculation in the Ottawa bubble on whether Carney will prorogue Parliament with a majority — a sort of reset option that ends the current session and starts a new one. Carney has said he is "absolutely not" considering it — but there's some reason to think that would be a feasible move. As it stands, the Liberals do not control House committees and the opposition could use those committees to hold up legislation with which they disagree. Proroguing typically resets committee standings, which are made to reflect the proportion of seats a party has in the House. But MPs unanimously passed a motion in June that locked the committee standings for the duration of the 45th Parliament. Prorogation won't undo that motion, but a subsequent motion can. That's why the 173 seat majority is key — with 172 seats the Liberals would be tied with the opposition and the Speaker would likely vote down a committee reset motion because he is bound by convention to uphold the status quo.