Power & Politics Which parties flinched to avoid an election?
Nov 18, 2025
Steven MacKinnon, the Liberal Government House Leader, discusses navigating a minority parliament and the budget's narrow passage. He believes opposition parties secretly supported parts of the budget. Don Davies, the interim NDP leader, explains his party's strategic abstentions to avoid triggering an election while expressing concerns about the budget's climate impact. They also dive into the implications of Conservative absences and tactical voting, revealing insights into political alliances and the intricacies of parliamentary maneuvering.
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Opposition May Privately Favor The Budget
- Steven MacKinnon argues many opposition MPs secretly like parts of the budget despite public opposition.
- He says the budget blends growth measures and protections that appeal across party lines.
House Leader Didn’t Know Vote Outcomes
- Steven MacKinnon says he never knew for sure which MPs would abstain until votes were recorded.
- He recounts being uncertain about Gore Johns and other opposition actions until the roll call.
NDP Opposed But Avoided Triggering Election
- Don Davies says the NDP opposed the budget but judged Canadians didn't want an election now.
- The NDP chose to register opposition while avoiding a vote that would trigger an early election.