A dramatic twist unfolded in Canadian politics as the Conservatives played a pivotal role in passing Prime Minister Mark Carney's budget, averting an early election. With time ticking down on Monday's vote, two senior Conservatives, Andrew Scheer and Scott Reid, claimed their electronic voting app malfunctioned, expressing their desire to vote against the budget.
However, their votes were cast after all their colleagues had voted, raising questions about their intentions. Video footage suggests two individuals stood behind curtains on the Conservative side, but Scheer's chief of staff denied it was them.
The budget passed with two NDP abstentions and two absent Conservatives, prompting Scheer and Reid to declare their opposition to the budget due to technological issues. The Speaker allowed their late votes.
Sources indicate the Conservative Party leadership opposes an election so soon after the last one, especially with polls favoring Carney over Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre. The New Democrats' voting intentions were uncertain, adding to the drama.
Scheer and Reid's non-votes could have provided a buffer if the government faced a confidence vote, but Scheer's chief stated he intended to vote remotely due to a meeting on international human rights. The meeting ended before the scheduled vote, but Scheer was occupied with other matters, only rushing to vote when the technology failed.
Reid remained silent on the matter. David McLaughlin, a former chief of staff to Brian Mulroney, suggested the Conservatives "manufactured" the government's majority.
"It was a close call, but they can claim a victory of sorts," McLaughlin said.
The last-minute votes sparked jeers from Liberals, who suggested Scheer, Reid, and other Conservatives could openly support the government in future confidence votes or "take a walk behind the curtains."
The Conservatives are now focused on their leadership review in January, which will determine Poilievre's future as leader. Weeks before the dramatic vote, the Conservatives had discussions with the NDP and Bloc Québécois about abstentions to avoid an election.
In the end, the NDP MPs' abstentions weren't necessary, as the budget passed based on Conservative votes alone. MP Matt Jeneroux, who announced his resignation, was absent, and MP Shannon Stubbs was on medical leave, unable to vote remotely due to facial recognition software issues.
Stubbs faced online criticism for her non-vote, which helped the government survive. Some Conservatives defended her, praising her loyalty and dedication.
Poilievre, in a post on X, criticized Carney's budget for driving up the cost of living for Canadians. The Liberals celebrated the outcome, with Government House Leader Steve MacKinnon declaring, "The minority Parliament is working."
Prime Minister Carney called it "a great day for Canadians," saluting the MPs who voted in favor of the budget.
This political drama showcases the delicate balance of power in a minority government and the strategic moves made by parties to avoid an early election.
