Power & Politics With budget support unclear, is another election on the way?
Oct 30, 2025
Join Andrew Scheer, Conservative House leader; Peter McKay, former cabinet minister; Emily Nicola, political columnist; and Andrew Thompson, ex-Saskatchewan NDP minister, as they dissect the precarious political landscape ahead of the upcoming budget vote. Scheer outlines Conservative demands, emphasizing deficits and cost-of-living concerns. McKay discusses trade dynamics and parliamentary strategies. Nicola analyzes the potential public reactions to budget cuts, while Thompson warns of flashpoints in coalition negotiations. Will another election loom?
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Parliamentary Math Makes Budget Fragile
- The Liberals hold 168 seats and need three opposition votes to pass the budget.
- That slim margin makes abstentions or absences decisive and raises real risk of a snap election.
Opposition's Public Posture Versus Private Talks
- Conservatives say they don't want an election but refuse to prop up the government by supporting the budget.
- Party leaders pursue quiet negotiations while publicly signaling opposition to avoid blame.
Use Targeted Concessions To Secure Votes
- The government is actively engaging opposition parties, including meeting Bloc leader and targeting specific asks.
- Negotiate targeted concessions (e.g., trucking loophole) to win narrow support rather than sweeping shifts.