Canadian Parliament Faces Crucial Budget Votes Amid Resignation Drama

Canada’s minority Parliament is navigating a period of intense political scrutiny as it prepares for critical budget votes. On the evening of November 4, 2025, just before a confidence vote on the federal budget, Conservative MP Matt Jeneroux announced his intention to resign from his seat, stirring speculation about the stability of the governing Liberal Party, led by Prime Minister Mark Carney.

The Liberals previously survived a vote on the budget, defeating a Conservative motion to reject it with a tally of 198 to 139. This vote served as the first of three confidence tests that will determine if the Liberal government can maintain its position in the House of Commons. The upcoming vote, scheduled for 1:45 p.m. today, will see the Bloc Quebecois introduce a motion that could further challenge the budget’s legitimacy and the government’s survival.

Jeneroux’s resignation announcement came shortly after a meeting with Prime Minister Carney, raising questions about internal Conservative Party dynamics and the leadership of Pierre Poilievre. While Jeneroux praised his colleagues in his statement, he did not provide specific reasons for his departure nor confirm when he would officially vacate his seat. For now, he remains part of the Conservative caucus but abstained from voting on the budget.

This unexpected turn of events has implications for the Conservative Party, which has already seen a recent defection to the governing benches. As Jeneroux’s announcement made headlines, it also highlighted potential fractures within the opposition party.

The political climate in Ottawa remains charged as the government prepares for another critical vote. The Liberals are expected to treat the upcoming Bloc motion as a confidence matter, which means failure to pass it could lead to a general election—potentially Canada’s second within eight months.

The budget itself has drawn mixed reactions, with Finance Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne describing it as “generational.” However, critics argue that the budget does not adequately address pressing issues facing Canada, including climate initiatives and funding for post-secondary education.

As Parliament gears up for the afternoon vote, the stakes are high for both the governing Liberals and the opposition Conservatives. The outcome of these votes will not only affect the immediate political landscape but also shape the longer-term trajectory of Canadian governance.