The Canadian Parliament

Canada enters 2025 facing persistent inflationary pressure, housing costs, and slowed economic growth. With a new Liberal minority government under Mark Carney, a former central banker now navigating partisan politics, the first major test of the new Parliament is the development of the federal budget. The budget determines national spending on healthcare, housing, infrastructure, defense, social programs, and climate policy. But with no majority in the House of Commons, every line item becomes a negotiation. The Liberals seek to balance affordability measures with long-term fiscal responsibility; Conservatives push for spending restraint and tax relief; the Bloc demands increased transfers and Quebec protections; the NDP presses for expanded social supports; and Independents hold unpredictable swing influence.

A budget is a confidence vote. Failure to pass it could trigger the downfall of the government, making negotiation, compromise, and political maneuvering essential. The debate will test delegates’ ability to build coalitions, manage party discipline, and control narrative under pressure.

In recent years, Canada has faced increasing warnings about foreign interference in elections, cyberattacks on government infrastructure, disinformation campaigns, and vulnerabilities in critical supply chains. The 2025 election spotlighted these concerns as intelligence agencies reported attempted disruptions from multiple state and non-state actors. The new Parliament must determine how to modernize Canada’s national security framework without compromising civil liberties, minority rights, and democratic transparency. With polarized positions between parties, this issue promises to be politically explosive. The Liberals and Conservatives disagree on the scope and intrusiveness of new security powers; the NDP and Greens demand strong privacy protections; the Bloc resists federal overreach into Quebec institutions; and Independents scrutinize government accountability.

Security policy shapes the balance between government power and public freedom. A misstep risks eroding trust in democratic institutions, or leaving Canada exposed to future threats. Delegates must weigh constitutional principles, regional perspectives, and real-world constraints.