The minority Liberal government returns to the House of Commons today for a second critical confidence vote tied to its 2025 budget, just one day after surviving the first test — and amid ongoing turmoil inside the Conservative caucus.
Thursday’s vote was overshadowed by Alberta Conservative MP Matt Jeneroux’s announcement that he plans to resign, following speculation he might cross the floor to the Liberals. His departure came only days after Nova Scotia MP Chris d’Entremont left the Conservative benches to sit with the Liberals following the budget’s release.
Although Jeneroux has not formally resigned his seat, d’Entremont’s move narrowed the Conservatives’ numbers and left Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberals just two seats short of a majority — a precarious position as the government faces a series of budget-related confidence votes.
The Liberals defeated a Conservative motion Thursday calling on MPs to reject the budget, with support from the Bloc Québécois and the NDP. Today, MPs vote on a similar motion put forward by the Bloc.
However, the outcome is not yet guaranteed — an NDP spokesperson says the party’s seven MPs have not decided how they will vote this time.
As the votes continue, the stakes remain high for the minority government, which must secure enough support to avoid triggering an early federal election.