Liberal Leader Mark Carney has formed a minority government after winning Canada’s 45th federal election.
As of the time of this article’s publication, the Liberals are projected to form a slim minority, with 166 expected seats.
Carney thanked all of the political leaders who ran against him in the election.
“And for those who were elected, particularly those Liberals who were elected, I am looking forward to working together to deliver for Canadians,” said Carney. “Bruce Fanjoy. I’m looking forward to working with Bruce Fanjoy,” said Carney of the Liberal candidate who is leading against Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre in Carleton.
The Liberals may have to form a coalition with the Bloc Québécois, as they are currently the party with the third most seats — 23 at the time of this article’s publication.
However, the NDP currently leads in seven ridings, per Elections Canada. Whether the party will maintain official party status—which requires 12 seats—seems unlikely.
Canada’s House of Commons has 343 total seats. To pass a bill in the House, you need a majority of votes cast — 172 seats. Therefore, if the Liberals are unable to get support from 172 MPs, irrespective of how many their party has, on a major bill (like a budget), another election could be triggered.
Therefore, the NDP-Liberal coalition could remain if the current vote projections remain and at least 172 MPs from both parties support a specific bill or motion.
Alternatively, if the projections change and the Conservatives and Bloc Québécois combine for 172 seats or more in the House, they could form a coalition of their own.
As of the time of this article’s publication, Carney is declared victorious in his Nepean riding, with 63.7 per cent of the vote share from 227/229 polls reporting. Conservative candidate Barbara Bal is in second place with 33.3 per cent of the vote share.
True North will provide updates to this article as additional results are reported.