Carney rallies Liberal supporters ahead of crucial byelections that could solidify his power

undercoat government minister deutsche mark Carney relied on a subject matter of subject unity to rally a crowd of thousands of supporters ahead of three closely watched byelections that could secure his Liberals a majority government, keeping them in power for the next three years. 

After introductions from Tatiana Auguste — the Liberals' candidate in Monday's hotly contested byelection in the Quebec riding of Terrebonne — and his wife, Diana Fox Carney, the prime minister delivered a stump-style speech that leaned on some of his hallmark lines and a rundown of his policy agenda to close out the Liberal Party's national convention in downtown Montreal Saturday afternoon.

"United, we will build Canada strong … a Canada strong that no one can ever take away,"  he told the packed room, garnering one of the loudest rounds of applause.

"We should be under no illusions — the path we've chosen is hard. There will be head winds, black ice and steep climbs along the way. We will have to be pragmatic and determined to keep moving forward."

The speech to party supporters is meant to build momentum heading into Monday's three byelections. Winning just one would deliver a slim majority. 

Because the Speaker is a Liberal MP, winning two or all three would give the party more control of House business.

It would also give Carney more runway to implement his agenda, moving the next scheduled election to 2029. 

The Toronto ridings of University-Rosedale and Scarborough Southwest are considered safe Liberal seats, while Terrebonne was won by the Liberals by just one vote over the Bloc Québécois during the spring 2025 election.

The Supreme Court of Canada annulled the 2025 federal election result in that Montreal-area riding.

The speech made no hint of any more floor-crossers although talk of additions have been the buzz of the convention.

Carney has been able to inch close to a majority thanks to the four former Conservatives and one ex-New Democrat who joined the Liberal cadre. 

The latest defector, Marilyn Gladu, raised eyebrows heading into the convention for her social conservative views —most notably when she called herself "pro-life," expressed vaccine skepticism and her opposition to a bill banning conversion therapy. 

Gladu told reporters while she has her own "faith traditions," she will vote with the government on issues like access to abortion services and LGBTQ+ rights.

The addition of a more social conservative voice to the Liberal tent has raised questions about what the party under Carney stands for.

In his prepared remarks Carney said the party will always believe in a "just society," where "women always have the right to choose" and "you can love who you want to love."

Carney said the party is "re-committing to a simple mission" coming out of their three-day gathering.

"To build a Canada that is not just strong, but good. A Canada that is not just prosperous, but fair," he said in his prepared remarks.

"Canada that is not just for some, most of the time; but for all, all the time."

Reporter

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