House passes Conservative motion demanding spring budget from Carney
The minority Liberals suffered a significant defeat in the House of Commons after a Conservative motion to amend the throne speech narrowly passed.
The minority Liberals suffered a significant defeat in the House of Commons after a Conservative motion to amend the throne speech narrowly passed.
The motion, sponsored by Interim Leader of the Opposition Conservative MP Andrew Scheer, passed by a vote of 166 to 164, with support from all opposition parties.
All Liberal MPs voted against it, but four government members were absent due to paired votes, allowing the amendment to pass.
The amendment calls on the government to present an economic update or budget “before the House adjourns for the summer” that includes “full accountability of Canada’s finances” while respecting provincial jurisdictions and Indigenous peoples.
The final text was the result of negotiations that incorporated a Bloc Québécois sub-amendment on provincial autonomy and an earlier amendment addressing Indigenous considerations.
Initially Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne had previously stated there would be no budget this year, with the government instead aiming for a fall economic statement. Prime Minister Mark Carney later revised the government’s position and pledged a budget in the fall.
Conservative House Leader Michael Barrett responded to the vote on X, writing, “Parliament passed a Conservative motion ordering PM Mark Carney to table a full spring budget. After breaking his 2% cap promise with a half-trillion spending spree, Canadians deserve the truth. Will he deliver a plan—or dodge accountability?”
Government sources have indicated that the motion is non-binding, noting that House motions express the will of Parliament but do not carry the force of law.
The vote marks an early test for Carney’s government, which won a minority mandate in April.
While the Liberals are not legally obligated to table a spring budget, the opposition now holds a symbolic victory in forcing the issue onto the government’s agenda.
Debate on the throne speech continues until Wednesday.
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“While the Liberals are not legally obligated to table a spring budget, the opposition now holds a symbolic victory in forcing the issue onto the government’s agenda.”
What is the point of having a Parliament vote if it is not legally binding.
Symbolism is meaningless.
Around and around we go, where we stop, who knows.
Thank you Andrew and all opposition for passing this bill. It could prove to be a game changer. That's using your heads.