Carney Nears Majority as Opposition Defection Boosts Stance Against US Tariffs

• Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney moved closer to a parliamentary majority after an opposition legislator defected to the ruling Liberals.
• The defection of Matt Jeneroux from the Conservative Party gives the Liberals 169 of 343 seats, just three short of a majority.
• A majority would enable Carney's government to respond more decisively to trade actions by US President Donald Trump and potentially serve until April 2029.
• Three vacant seats, two in Liberal strongholds and one tight race in Montreal, could secure the majority if won by the party.
• This is the third defection from the Conservatives to the Liberals recently, increasing pressure on Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre.