Michael Higgins Issues Stark Warning About Carney's Majority Government
Political commentator Michael Higgins has raised serious concerns about Prime Minister Mark Carney's newly secured majority government, warning that the consequences could be dire for Canadians. The prime minister has achieved his long-sought-after majority, but Higgins cautions that this development might eliminate crucial constraints on executive power.
The Danger of Unchecked Authority
Higgins argues that the temptation for Prime Minister Carney to secure a majority government was strong, even if it was cobbled together with disgruntled floor-crossers from other parties. With a slim majority now in place, Carney gains the power to implement his agenda without the need for compromise that characterized his minority government period.
The fundamental danger, according to Higgins, is that Carney might forget the Liberals were elected with only 43.8 percent of the popular vote. Without the constraints of a minority government, there is a risk he could begin governing as if the entire country supported his vision, despite nearly 56 percent of voters choosing other parties.
Carney's Political Momentum and Nationalistic Rhetoric
The prime minister is currently riding a wave of political momentum. He has wrapped himself in unapologetic patriotism, frequently poked fun at U.S. President Donald Trump, and heralded what he calls "a new age for Canada." At the recent Liberal convention, Carney declared, "We are masters of our destiny," signaling his confidence in pursuing an ambitious agenda.
Some political observers have suggested that Carney is regarded as a wartime leader rallying the country behind what amounts to a unity government. However, Higgins points to a line from Carney's own book, "Value(s)": "Humility is recognizing that there will be surprises." This cautionary wisdom, Higgins suggests, might be worth remembering as the prime minister exercises his new majority powers.
The Path to Majority Status
Carney's achievement of a majority government represents a remarkable political turnaround. His predecessor, Justin Trudeau, won a majority in 2015 on what Higgins describes as "glib words and glamorous looks," but was never able to replicate that success in subsequent elections.
In the 2025 general election, Carney was similarly shut out of a majority. However, since November of that year, the prime minister has managed to entice five Members of Parliament from other parties to cross the floor and join his caucus. This strategic maneuvering included four Conservatives and one New Democratic Party member, ultimately providing Carney with the 174 seats needed to secure a working majority without relying on the Speaker's vote.
The Liberals recently demonstrated their strengthened position by winning all three byelections held on Monday. These contests took place in University—Rosedale (former deputy prime minister Chrystia Freeland's old riding), Scarborough Southwest (where ex-defence minister Bill Blair previously sat), and the Quebec riding of Terrebonne. The Terrebonne victory was particularly significant, as the Liberals had won it by just one vote in 2025, a result that was contested and ultimately led to a Supreme Court-ordered redo.
The Trump Effect on Canadian Politics
Scott Reid, former communications director to ex-Liberal prime minister Paul Martin, told the Guardian that what he calls "the Trump effect" has been driving Carney's political success. "Trump gave rise to Carney and his unique talents," Reid explained to the British newspaper. "Now, we're watching another effect of Trump on our politics: a desire for stability. The perception is Carney is a wartime leader."
Reid further characterized the situation as "the quietest assembly of a union government we've ever witnessed." However, Higgins questions this wartime leader characterization, noting that it suggests the whole country is behind Carney, which is not actually the case according to election results.
Carney's anti-Trump rhetoric and jibes at the U.S. president continue to be greeted with howls of glee from his political base. At Saturday's convention, the prime minister highlighted how Canadians were increasingly boycotting American products and destinations, choosing Okanagan wines over California varieties, avoiding bourbon, and planning vacations to Prince Edward Island instead of Florida.
"Canadians are demonstrating just how strong we are," Carney told supporters. "It started quietly, people choosing a wine from the Okanagan over one from California. Anyone had any bourbon recently? A family planning a vacation to Prince Edward Island instead of booking flights to Florida. Canadians are rediscovering our country."
Higgins concludes that while Carney's political achievement is impressive, the concentration of power in a majority government elected by less than half the electorate warrants careful scrutiny and vigilance from both opposition parties and the Canadian public.
