Conservative House Leader Andrew Scheer says discussions with the Liberal government to move key legislation are being held “in good faith.” His comments come as Parliament weighs the Budget Implementation Act, a high-stakes bill that would carry the measures tied to the government’s budget.
Because the bill is a confidence vote, its defeat could trigger a federal election.
What Scheer says has changed
Scheer told CTV’s Power Play that recent meetings have shown progress. He said the tone in talks over the Budget Implementation Act appears constructive, even if the final outcome remains uncertain.
He would not say whether co-operation is being driven by a desire to avoid an election. He also rejected the idea that his party has shifted its posture.
Why this bill matters so much
Budget implementation bills put budget promises into law. That can mean creating new rules or amending existing laws so the budget can actually take effect.
In a minority Parliament, the government needs enough votes to pass that package. The Liberals currently sit three seats short of a majority, which forces them to seek opposition support on confidence matters.
Conservatives want changes to the bill
Scheer said Conservatives oppose parts of the legislation now before committee. He said some provisions would give ministers extra powers that the party believes should be removed.
Asked whether the Liberals might amend those sections, Scheer did not rule it out. He framed Conservative support as conditional on changes that, in the party’s view, prevent further harm.
No formal deal, both sides insist
With election stakes hanging over the vote, questions have followed about whether the Liberals and Conservatives have struck an agreement.
Government House Leader Steven MacKinnon said there is no formal arrangement with the Conservatives to avoid an election. Scheer echoed that message, saying there is “no formal deal.”
Carney and Poilievre signal a new tone
Prime Minister Mark Carney and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre also met one-on-one on Parliament Hill last week. Afterward, both leaders spoke publicly about the need for more collaboration between parties.
Carney has previously pushed back on speculation about a snap election, saying his government is focused on results.
What happens next in the House
The Budget Implementation Act remains under committee study, where amendments can still be proposed. The key question is whether negotiations produce changes that allow the bill to clear the House.
For now, Scheer says the talks are real and respectful. But the confidence vote dynamic means the stakes will stay high until the final tally is known.
