How Canada's 45th Parliament achieved a majority government through unprecedented political maneuvering
In short: The 45th Canadian Parliament began in May 2025 following a federal election that left the incumbent Liberals without a majority. Through a series of floor crossings, by-elections, and strategic shifts, the government eventually secured a majority, marking a unique chapter in Canadian legislative history defined by historic royal involvement.
The 45th Canadian Parliament, which commenced on May 26, 2025, followed a federal election held on April 28. This session was notable for being the first to seat members under the 2023 representation orders, which expanded the House of Commons by five seats to account for population shifts identified in the 2021 census. British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario each gained representation through this adjustment.
A significant moment occurred on May 27, 2025, when King Charles III personally opened the session. This marked the first time a reigning monarch had opened the Canadian Parliament in over 50 years, and the first instance of the sovereign delivering the Speech from the Throne since 1977. The government initially faced a precarious position, losing a non-binding motion in June 2025 before eventually passing a federal budget in November by a narrow margin of 170 to 168.
The path to a majority government was unconventional. Over the course of the session, several members of the Conservative and New Democratic parties crossed the floor to join the Liberals. By April 2026, after winning three key by-elections in Scarborough Southwest, Terrebonne, and University—Rosedale, the Liberal Party successfully attained a majority. This transition was further complicated by a series of resignations from Cabinet and the House of Commons throughout 2025 and 2026, as various members departed to pursue provincial politics, diplomatic roles, or other career shifts.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: 45th Canadian Parliament
- Also: Wikidata — 45th Canadian Parliament · CC0
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