What the Liberals’ new majority means for Canadians

This episode of As It Happens explores the political ramifications of Mark Carney's newly secured majority government for the Liberal Party in Canada, following three by-election victories and five floor-crossing MPs. James Maloney, Liberal Caucus Chair, defends the legitimacy of the majority, emphasizing that floor crossings are part of Canada's democratic tradition and that the new government will maintain its focus on economic stability, fiscal responsibility, and diversifying trade. He dismisses criticism from the Conservative Party as hypocritical, noting their own past support for similar moves. Meanwhile, new NDP leader Avi Lewis, who lacks a seat in Parliament, outlines his strategy to rebuild the party and maintain a progressive voice through grassroots engagement, public campaigns, and a commitment to worker protections during Canada’s energy transition. The episode also covers a range of international and cultural stories, including a conservation effort using robotic sage grouse to revive declining populations in Wyoming, a decade-long artistic feud between Anish Kapoor and Stuart Semple over exclusive rights to 'Vantablack' and 'World's Pinkest Pink', a tragic airstrike in Nigeria that killed up to 200 civilians, and the long-overdue public screening of forgotten Inuit animations from the 1970s. These stories underscore broader themes of innovation, justice, and the enduring power of art and memory.