Mark Carney locks Liberal majority

Mark Carney has secured a majority government for the Liberals following a series of floor crossings in recent by-elections, including high-profile defectors from both the Conservative and NDP parties. The episode explores the implications of this narrow majority—173 seats—achieved not through a sweeping electoral victory but through strategic political realignments. CBC senior parliamentary writer Erin Wary unpacks the significance of bringing socially conservative MP Marilyn Gladjew into the fold, highlighting the ideological tensions within the Liberal Party and the broader question of what Carney's 'Big Tent' government truly represents. While the majority grants Carney enhanced legislative power, including the ability to use time allocation and pass bills without opposition support, the episode cautions against complacency, noting that internal party dynamics, backbench influence, and the risk of alienating critics remain key challenges. The coalition is framed as partly an 'anti-Trump' response, uniting diverse MPs around a shared concern over U.S. political instability, but long-term cohesion depends on Carney's ability to balance competing visions and maintain unity across a deeply divided caucus.