Liberal minority survives first of three confidence votes

The minority Liberal government has survived the first of three confidence tests on its federal budget.

The sub-amendment called on members of parliament to reject the budget — with Conservatives claiming the government failed to present a plan for Canadians to have “an affordable life.”

The Conservative sub-amendment was to a Bloc Quebecois amendment, calling on the house to reject the budget because it was “harmful to Quebec.”

Bloc leader, Yves-Francois Blanchet moved the initial revision on Wednesday, after the party decided the Liberal budget didn’t meet enough of their demands.

MPs are set to vote on the Bloc’s request today.

If the government loses that vote or the main budget vote itself — it will have lost the confidence of the House, triggering an election.

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Meanwhile, Finance Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne remains optimistic, saying he’s heard from Canadians this week and they seem to be happy with the overall budget tabled by the Liberal government.

After a surprising move from a Conservative MP earlier this week crossing the floor to join the Liberals, Parliament Hill has been swirling with rumours.

Alberta MP Matt Jeneroux made a point of announcing he’d be staying under the leadership of Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, only to resign soon after.

Poilievre took to social media to wish him well — confirming Jeneroux would be stepping down next spring.

The Liberals now hold 170 seats in the house — two seats away from a majority. 

Liberal MP Sean Casey told reporters that in spite of all the posturing this week, he thinks the House will find a way to pass the budget.

With files from The Canadian Press