Members of Parliament are preparing for a critical vote today that will determine whether Prime Minister Mark Carney’s minority Liberal government can advance its first federal budget or face another national election less than a year after Canadians last went to the polls. The upcoming vote is tied directly to the government’s confidence, leaving the Liberals dependent on support from at least one opposition party or individual MPs from other caucuses.

Opposition leaders have voiced broad dissatisfaction with the fiscal plan, arguing that the document does not reflect their priorities on affordability, public services, or regional concerns. As of this morning, it remains unclear where the government will find the votes needed to move its budget forward.

The Liberals have positioned the budget as a restrained but targeted plan that aims to reduce operational spending while expanding investments intended to spur long term economic growth. Much of the nearly 90 billion dollars in proposed new spending over five years is focused on capital projects and measures the government says will help Canada respond to economic pressures, including ongoing U.S. trade actions.

With no party holding a majority of seats, the outcome of today’s vote will shape the federal policy direction heading into 2026 and could determine whether Parliament continues its work or dissolves early. The political uncertainty has drawn attention in many Canadian communities, including in B.C. and Alberta, where local governments and businesses are watching closely for signals on federal infrastructure and economic programs.