Canada's Liberal Government Survives Budget Vote by Narrow Margin, Avoiding Christmas Election

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In a tense showdown, Canada's Liberal government narrowly won a critical budget vote, ensuring that a federal election will not occur before the holiday season. The budget passed with a margin of just two votes, thanks to two opposition members who abstained from the 543-member House of Commons. Prime Minister Mark Carney's government secured the support of all 170 Liberal MPs, as well as a single Green Party MP, while the lone NDP member who abstained explained that the party prioritized the country's interests by preventing an election. The NDP's decision to abstain, rather than opposing the budget outright, was seen as a strategic move to avoid triggering a federal election at a time when Canadians do not want one. The Liberal government, which is operating as a minority government, will continue to face confidence measures in the coming year. The average length of a minority government in Canada is 18 months, and there is a high likelihood that a midterm election could be triggered next year. Prime Minister Carney will depart for the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday, ahead of the G20 leaders' summit in Johannesburg, where he is expected to meet with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In a statement, Carney expressed his commitment to working with Canadians to deliver on the budget's promises and build a stronger country. However, the close vote has exposed the fragility of the minority government and sets the stage for a potentially tumultuous year ahead.