Carney Government Stalls as Budget Bill Faces Deadlock in Minority Parliament

The Canadian government is heading into the final sitting week of the year with its budget bill effectively frozen, highlighting deep divisions in an increasingly confrontational minority Parliament. With debate on Bill C-15 stretching into a ninth day, it is highly unlikely the legislation will reach committee review — let alone passage — before lawmakers leave for the holidays.
The Liberals, lacking a formal partner in the House after losing NDP procedural support, cannot control debate or secure the votes needed to move legislation forward. This has left the government outnumbered and unable to fast-track bills, especially in committees where only the Liberals, Conservatives and Bloc Québécois hold standing.
Conservative MPs continue to speak extensively on the bill, citing concerns about deficits and affordability. Conservative House Leader Andrew Scheer has signaled willingness to negotiate an end to debate if the government agrees to additional committee accountability, but no deal has been reached. He accused Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberals of failing to adapt to the new political reality.
The stalled bill could delay key measures, including early-retirement incentives for public servants—an essential part of the government’s plan to reduce internal costs. More than 68,000 public servants were notified they may qualify, but the program cannot launch until the bill becomes law.
Tensions have intensified across Parliament, with MPs from all parties trading accusations of obstruction. Liberals argue that opposition parties are blocking essential legislation, while the NDP says the Prime Minister is governing “like he has a majority,” making cooperation impossible.
The gridlock comes as MPs must still approve next week’s government spending through the estimates process, typically treated as a confidence matter. Given the government’s narrow survival in a recent vote, future confidence motions are expected to pass “on division” to avoid triggering a formal recorded vote.