OTTAWA — Canada is set to enter a politically decisive moment next week as Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberal government prepares to table its new federal budget in Parliament on November 4th. There is growing concern that the budget’s defeat could trigger a snap general election.
Amidst these anxieties, Prime Minister Carney asserted his readiness to contest an election if required. Speaking to reporters at the closing session of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in South Korea, Carney stated, “I am ready to stand up for what is right.”
When questioned about receiving sufficient support to pass the budget, the Prime Minister expressed “one hundred percent confidence,” adding that this is “no game” but a critical moment for the global economy.
As Carney’s first budget since becoming Prime Minister, it will serve as the first confidence test for his minority government, which is three seats short of a majority and requires the support of another party to pass the bill. Government sources indicate that the details of the budget are in the final stages.
Accusations are flying between the Liberal and Conservative parties, with both sides suggesting the other desires an election following the budget presentation.
Liberal House Leader Steven McKinnon told reporters on Parliament Hill that he seeks support from opposition parties and is open to discussions.
Conversely, Conservative House Leader Andrew Scheer accused the government of deliberately crafting a budget that the opposition cannot support in an attempt to force an election. The Conservatives had previously put forth several demands, including a commitment to keep the federal deficit below $42 billion.
Earlier, addressing students at the University of Ottawa, Carney had promised that the upcoming budget would include ‘generational investments’ but also warned that some sacrifices would be necessary following the announcement.
