The final day of campaigning is underway across three federal byelections that could reshape Parliament's balance of power, with Prime Minister Mark Carney's Liberals positioned to secure a commanding majority government.
Voters in Terrebonne, Quebec, and two Toronto-area ridings will cast ballots on Monday in what political observers say represents a critical test for the governing party's momentum heading into the next regular election cycle.
The Terrebonne race has emerged as the most competitive battleground. The Liberals narrowly won the Quebec seat by a single vote last year, only to have that victory overturned by the courts, forcing Monday's do-over campaign. The Bloc Québécois has mounted an aggressive challenge in the traditionally competitive riding.
"A Liberal loss in Terrebonne would signal that the party isn't as invincible as they've appeared," said polling analyst Philippe Fournier, suggesting a Bloc victory could indicate a broader resurgence for the separatist party in Quebec.
Yet the political landscape shifted dramatically this week when Ontario Conservative MP Marilyn Gladu crossed the floor to join the Liberal caucus. Political strategists say the high-profile defection has effectively locked up a majority for Carney regardless of Monday's outcomes.
The Prime Minister campaigned in Terrebonne on Thursday, underscoring the symbolic importance of retaining the seat. Meanwhile, the two Toronto-area ridings are widely regarded as safe Liberal strongholds where the party faces minimal competition.
The byelections come at a pivotal moment for the Carney government, which has faced intense scrutiny over cost-of-living pressures affecting Canadian households. Monday's results could provide the political capital needed to advance the government's legislative agenda with renewed confidence.
This article is based on reporting from the Lethbridge Herald.