OTTAWA — Prime Minister Mark Carney is engaging with opposition leaders on Wednesday to discuss the upcoming federal budget. This comes as Liberal MPs are urging these parties to support the government's agenda. Carney met with Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet in the morning, prior to a caucus meeting, and is scheduled to meet with Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre in the afternoon, according to party spokespeople.

Audrey Champoux from the Prime Minister's Office confirmed that Carney also met with interim NDP Leader Don Davies on October 1 and Green Party Leader Elizabeth May on October 2. Sam Lilly, a spokesperson for Poilievre, stated that the Conservative leader “will be laying out his case to table an affordable budget for an affordable Canada.”

During the morning meeting, Blanchet reiterated the Bloc's position on the budget. The Bloc has previously outlined six “non-negotiable” demands for Quebec, which include increases to health transfers and old age security.

These discussions are taking place ahead of Carney's evening address on his government’s plan to “build a stronger economy.” He is also preparing for upcoming international summits in Malaysia and South Korea before returning on November 1. Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne is expected to present the budget on November 4.

Members of the minority Liberal government are emphasizing that it is the responsibility of opposition parties to justify any decision not to support the budget, which could lead to a snap election for the second time this year. Budget votes are considered confidence votes, meaning that if all opposition parties reject the budget, the government may have to resign or seek the dissolution of Parliament.

“If there has to be an election, we will confidently take our plan to the people, but we don’t think an election is necessary,” said Government House Leader Steve MacKinnon. He noted that he currently has “no assurances” that the budget will pass. “The opposition parties are, in my view, being very, very cavalier,” he added.

Liberal caucus chair James Maloney expressed confidence that the budget will be adopted, stating, “I hope it passes. I’m not worried at this stage.” Champagne urged opposition parties to consider “the mood of the nation,” which he described as focused on building, protecting, and empowering Canadians.

“The last thing I think Canadians want to see is political parties positioning themselves. What they want is to see people supporting the government to make sure… we can deliver for them,” he said.

MacKinnon mentioned that there have been “numerous discussions” with the opposition regarding the budget and that the government is considering their suggestions. He humorously noted that some Conservative MPs, possibly unhappy with Poilievre’s recent comments about the RCMP, might “find a time to go to the bathroom” during the budget vote. With a few abstentions, the budget could still be adopted, potentially sparing Canadians from an election.