Carney and Poilievre Signal Willingness to Work Together on Shared Bills in Minority Parliament

Prime Minister Mark Carney and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre have indicated a new willingness to collaborate on key legislation in the minority House of Commons, after months of political stalemate following the 2025 federal election. Behind-the-scenes talks suggest both leaders may agree to work together on certain bills to help the government pass its agenda and avoid a snap election.

Carney’s Liberals remain three seats short of a majority in Parliament, making the support of opposition parties, including the Conservatives on some measures, crucial to keeping his government in power and advancing legislation such as the Budget Implementation Act. Failing to secure support for a confidence vote on that bill could trigger a new federal election.

In a recent one-on-one meeting, the two leaders struck a notably more collaborative tone than seen in the previous session, with Carney saying it was “an important time to be working together, and to pass the legislation Canadians are counting on.” Poilievre stressed priorities such as lower taxes, fiscal responsibility and affordable policies for Canadians as key areas of focus.

Part of the ongoing discussions include negotiations over specific legislative packages and potential amendments that could win Conservative support — particularly on portions of omnibus bills that have drawn opposition from Tories due to concerns about exemptions for certain corporations and other policy elements. While details are still being worked out, sources say there is hope that cooperation could smooth passage for popular measures while leaving contentious issues to further debate.

A priority for both sides is to resolve the blockage in committee and at second readings that has held up bills on justice reforms, cybersecurity and other high-profile topics. Poilievre has also been an outspoken critic of government spending and has called for policies designed to reduce the cost of living and support economic growth.

Carney continues to downplay the likelihood of a spring election, emphasizing instead the need for workable collaboration in the minority Parliament. As talks proceed, observers are watching closely to see whether this newly cooperative tone will translate into tangible legislative progress in the weeks ahead.