Mark Carney secures majority as liberals win crucial by-elections in Canada

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has secured a majority government after his Liberal Party won crucial by-elections held on Monday night, enabling the administration to pass legislation without relying on opposition support.

The special elections were conducted to fill three vacant seats in Canada’s 343-member Parliament. In Toronto, Liberal candidates Danielle Martin and Doly Begum emerged victorious in the University-Rosedale and Scarborough Southwest districts, respectively. The result for a seat in Quebec was awaited at the time of reporting.

With these gains, the Liberal Party is now positioned to govern with full legislative authority , potentially remaining in power until 2029. The majority also comes after a series of defections from opposition parties , including members from the Conservative ranks, which had already brought the Liberals close to the threshold.

Carney, who assumed office in 2025 after succeeding Justin Trudeau, had earlier led the Liberals to victory in the national elections held in April that year. His campaign was bolstered by public concern over deteriorating ties with the United States under Donald Trump, particularly following controversial annexation rhetoric. Since then, Carney has pledged to reduce Canada’s economic dependence on the US .

The Prime Minister, a former central banker and ex-head of the Bank of England, has also steered the Liberal Party toward a centre-right policy approach . His remarks at the World Economic Forum, where he criticized economic coercion by major powers, were widely praised and cited by at least one defector as influential in switching allegiance.

Political analysts say the latest results reflect growing public consolidation behind Carney’s leadership , driven in part by geopolitical tensions and a desire for stability.

Meanwhile, the outcome deals another setback to Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre , who continues to grapple with internal party challenges despite retaining his leadership position. He reaffirmed his commitment to oppose the government and vowed to take the fight to the next general election.

In a brief response, Martin described the results as a stronger mandate for the Liberals to continue their agenda of economic reform and national development.