Idlout’s floor-crossing to Liberals takes pressure off in Terrebonne byelection, but managing caucus could be challenging for Carney in a slim majority, say politicos

The likelihood of an early federal election depends largely on how smoothly the government functions in the House and in committees, given a slim majority, says former Liberal MP Joe Jordan.

Prime Minister Mark Carney, left, and MP Lori Idlout, in the West Block on March 11, 2026, after she crossed the floor from the NDP to the Liberals. Idlout's addition takes pressure off the Liberals in the Terrebonne, Que., byelection, but managing the caucus will be a challenge for the prime minister, says pollster Greg Lyle.The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

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BY ABBAS RANA

March 16, 2026

Nunavut MP Lori Idlout’s defection from the NDP to the Liberal caucus has almost guaranteed a majority for Prime Minister Mark Carney, provided the Liberals win two of the three upcoming byelections. But governing with a slim majority would pose a significant challenge for...

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