Prime Minister Carney’s Liberal Party has secured a majority in the House of Commons following a series of by-elections and floor crossings, signaling a shift in parliamentary dynamics nearly one year after the last general election. The developments come amid ongoing debate over the legitimacy and potential impact of the Liberals’ expanded hold on power.

Since last year's election, the Liberals have gained five MPs who previously sat with opposition parties, including one from the New Democratic Party (NDP). The most recent defector joined last Wednesday, bringing the governing party’s caucus to 171 seats. These changes, combined with victories in Monday’s by-elections to fill three vacant seats, have propelled the Liberals into a majority position, though not through direct electoral gains alone.

Two of the contested seats, including University—Rosedale and Scarborough Southwest, had previously demonstrated strong Liberal support exceeding 60 percent. The third riding, Terrebonne in Quebec, returned to the ballot after the Supreme Court overturned the prior election result in February. Voters in Terrebonne faced an unusually long list of candidates, many affiliated with the Longest Ballot Committee, a protest group advocating for electoral reform, necessitating the use of write-in ballots. Elections Canada indicated that final results from this riding might be delayed until Tuesday.

Bloc Québécois whip Yves Perron, speaking from Terrebonne, emphasized that despite the Liberals’ newfound majority, the Bloc would continue to play a significant role as the voice of Quebec interests. He underscored that power can be exercised through multiple channels and that the opposition remains essential for parliamentary discourse and consensus building.

The Liberal government, led by Prime Minister Carney, has spent its first 12 months promoting policies aimed at accelerating natural-resource development, increasing home construction, and undertaking a substantial military modernization program. Although it has survived several confidence motions and secured backing for parts of its agenda, the minority status prior to this transition had limited the pace of legislative progress. With a majority, the Liberals will now control House committees, which could expedite the passage of bills but has raised concerns from Conservative opposition.

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre argued that the government’s majority was not earned through an election but rather through political maneuvering involving floor crossings. He vowed to continue opposing the Liberals and preparing for the next federal election. Poilievre’s position has been further weakened by losing MPs to the Liberals and declining public support, according to recent opinion polls.

New NDP Leader Avi Lewis also voiced unease with the Liberal majority formation, expressing that relying heavily on floor crossings rather than election results does not reflect the public’s will. The NDP is reportedly among the parties whose members have been targeted in efforts by the Liberals to bolster their parliamentary strength.

Public opinion surveys show the Liberals maintaining a commanding lead, with approximately 45 percent support nationally, followed by 32 percent for the Conservatives and 12 percent for the NDP. Carney leads Poilievre significantly in preferred prime minister ratings, according to the latest polling data collected through early April.

The newfound majority heightens expectations for the government’s ability to deliver on its campaign promises, including cutting red tape and advancing key infrastructure projects, many of which remain in preliminary stages. How this majority will shape legislative agendas and interparty relations remains a principal focus as Canada moves further into this parliamentary term.