The by-elections took place in two Toronto-area ridings, or constituencies – Scarborough Southwest and University-Rosedale – as well as in the Quebec riding of Terrebonne, where the contest was closely fought.
Through the night, Canadian media projected wins for the Liberal candidates in each place.
Carney congratulated all three winning Liberal candidates, who were Doly Begum, Danielle Martin and Tatiana Auguste respectively.
In a statement posted on X, the PM wrote that the various candidates from all parties who had contested the elections had “strengthened our democracy at a decisive moment for Canada”.
He went on to say: “Tonight, voters have placed their trust in our new government’s plan. We accept that support with humility, determination and a clear understanding of what this moment demands.”
Liberals will now hold 174 of the 343 seats in the House of Commons, giving Carney more latitude with his political agenda.
Carney has focused that agenda on boosting Canada’s economy, notably in the face of a challenging trade relationship with the US, the country’s largest trading partner.
He will face new pressure to also deliver on significant domestic promises, including major investments in housing construction and on national defence, and making Canada an “energy superpower”.
“The time for delays or excuses will have passed and with it the expectations will rise across multiple policy arenas,” wrote Scotiabank analyst Derek Holt last week on the expected Liberal gains.
On Tuesday morning, Carney said voters “placed their trust in Canada’s new government’s plan”.
“We accept their support with humility, determination and a clear understanding of what this moment demands for our country.”
He said he would move quickly to deliver on his commitments at a news conference where he announced a temporary suspension of federal fuel tax on diesel and petrol, similar to a proposal that had been pushed by the Conservatives as fuel prices rise due to the Iran conflict.
He also defended getting his majority mandate in part through defectors from other parties, saying “we’re fortunate to have them and we’re moving together with them”.
