Mark Carney’s Liberals are returning to Parliament on Tuesday with a new majority government after sweeping three federal by-elections, and Canadians’ reactions are split.
On Monday, three federal by-elections were held across the country, with two in Toronto, University-Rosedale and Scarborough Southwest, and one in Terrebonne, Quebec.
Liberal candidate Doly Begum won in Scarborough Southwest, Danielle Martin won in University-Rosedale, and Tatiana Auguste won in Terrebonne.
This brings the Liberals’ total seat count to 174, surpassing the 172 seats required for a majority government.
However, it wasn’t just the by-elections that helped the Liberals secure a majority. Several floor crossings by former Conservative MPs in recent weeks also helped Carney reach the threshold he needed in Ottawa.
In a statement following the results, Carney said this is the time to start building a “strong Canada for all.”
“Voters placed their trust in our new government’s plan. We accept that support with humility, determination and a clear understanding of what this moment demands,” Carney said. “We will build a Canada that is not just strong, but good; not just prosperous, but fair; not just for some, most of the time, but for all, all of the time.”
Poilievre reacts
Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre was quick to speak out against the Liberals’ win, saying it was achieved through “backroom deals,” in reference to the floor crossings.
“Mark Carney’s Liberals did not win a majority thanks to the votes of Canadians. They won a majority through backroom deals with politicians who betrayed the voters who had voted for them,” Poilievre said in a statement posted on X.
Poilievre continued, saying his Conservative Party will keep working to make life more affordable, make streets safer, and fight for workers and soldiers.
“I’m going to keep leading this fight every day and in every possible way in Parliament, until the next election when Canadians will take back the country we know and love,” he said.
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Canadians weigh in
Reactions from Canadians online have immediately started pouring in, with many congratulating the new Liberal majority.
“Thanks to the Liberal Party for the great work on electing 3 great ladies to the HoC,” an X user said.
“Well done. Canadians are clear , we need stability , smart governance and economic growth , not vote pandering , divisive attacks from a prime minister . Harper was my PM and Carney is my PM,” another user said.
However, some social media users are backing Poilievre and accusing Carney of using backroom deals to secure a majority.
“Canadians did not give you a majority government. The floor-crossing MPs did,” an X user said.
“You want to unite Canada, call an honest election now. Canadians don’t like their government doing shady backroom deals,” another user said.
“If Canadians wanted you to have a majority, they would’ve voted that way in April 2025. Real leaders lead with integrity. Back room deals and texts aren’t integrity,” another user added.
