Carney Denies Prorogation Plans if Liberals Win Byelections

OTTAWA Prime Minister Mark Carney firmly denied reports that his government is contemplating proroguing Parliament if the Liberals secure a majority in upcoming federal byelections, stating the idea has never crossed his mind.

Speaking to reporters during a news conference in Wakefield, Quebec, on March 31, Carney dismissed a story published that morning in The Globe and Mail. The article suggested the government might use prorogation to reset the parliamentary agenda and restructure House of Commons committees, thereby strengthening its ability to advance legislation. "First, absolutely not. It has never even entered my thinking, the possibility of that," Carney said. "So, I couldn't have been more surprised to see suggestion that what that was under consideration." He emphasized that his administration is focused on making progress in the current session.

The potential shift in parliamentary balance hinges on three byelections scheduled for April 13. Two are in traditional Liberal strongholds in the Toronto area, while the third is in Terrebonne, a riding north of Montreal that has seen competitive races in recent years. A clean sweep by the Liberals could deliver the party a...