Carney says no snap federal election as parliament resumes

(Horizon Weekly) — Prime Minister Mark Carney firmly dismissed speculation of a spring federal election on Monday, telling reporters the government is focused on delivering results rather than heading to the polls. Asked directly whether a snap election was under consideration as Parliament returned from its winter recess, Carney said, “Of course we’re not. We’re focused on results for Canadians.”

Carney’s comments came alongside an announcement of affordability measures, including a boost to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) credit to ease cost-of-living pressures for Canadians.

The prime minister noted several key pieces of government legislation that still require parliamentary approval, including elements of the Budget Implementation Act — such as tax cuts affecting millions of Canadians and extensions to the National School Food Program — and reforms to the criminal justice system. He emphasized that passing this agenda remains the government’s priority.

Carney’s Liberal minority government, formed after last year’s federal election in which the party fell short of a majority, retains a delicate balance in the House of Commons. While recent polling shows the Liberals with a modest lead over the Conservatives, the prime minister and his House leader have both discouraged opponents from pushing for an early vote, saying Canadians spoke only last April.

(Photo: Justin Tang/The Canadian Press)