In the news today: Carney government’s budget survives tight vote

By Canadian Press on November 18, 2025.

Here is a roundup of stories from The Canadian Press designed to bring you up to speed…

Liberal budget survives in tight House vote before Carney departs for UAE

Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government narrowly passed a crucial budget vote Monday, with four MPs abstaining and Green Party Leader Elizabeth May backing the budget. Members of Parliament voted 170 to 168 on the confidence motion that could have toppled the minority government and triggered a federal election. Conservative MPs Shannon Stubbs and Matt Jeneroux, as well as NDP MPs Lori Idlout and Gord Johns, were recorded as abstentions. Just hours before the vote, May said she would back the budget because Carney offered assurances he’s committed to meeting Canada’s climate targets in the Paris agreement.

Swedish royal family arrives in Ottawa today

The Swedish royal family arrives in Ottawa today to begin a three-day state visit alongside a delegation of top government ministers and representatives from dozens of Swedish companies. King Carl XVI Gustaf, Sweden’s longest reigning monarch, and Queen Silvia are visiting Ottawa and Montreal for their first trip to Canada since 2006. A Canadian delegation that includes Chief Justice Richard Wagner will officially welcome the royal couple to Rideau Hall this morning. The royals will lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and are set to meet with Prime Minister Mark Carney and other Canadian officials on Parliament Hill in the afternoon.

Here’s what else we’re watching…

Manitoba NDP outline plans in throne speech

The Manitoba government is scheduled to outline its plans for the coming year in its annual throne speech this afternoon. Premier Wab Kinew has said the speech will include plans to create a Crown-Indigenous corporation that will help ensure Indigenous involvement in the planned expansion of the Port of Churchill. Manitoba has been pushing the federal government to help pay for improvements at the port and the railway that serves the northern town as a way to ship more goods through Hudson Bay to Europe. Prime Minister Mark Carney met with Kinew on Sunday and said there remains a lot of work to do on the project.

South Africa seeks new trade pact with Canada

Canada and South Africa are talking about a deal to boost bilateral trade and investment, as Prime Minister Mark Carney heads to Johannesburg for the G20 summit. South African High Commissioner Rieaz Shaik tells The Canadian Press he is calling it a “gas-for-wine” deal that could see more goods and services exchanged between both countries. Shaik says the discussions have focused on five sectors — agribusiness, infrastructure, mining, energy and advanced technologies. He says the deal would see South Africa sell higher-quality wines to Canadians, while his country would aspire to buy liquefied natural gas from Canada.

CRTC to release Cancon decision today

The federal broadcast regulator is set to release its decision on a new definition of Canadian content today. The modernized definition will apply to television and online streaming services. The CRTC’s decision follows a two-week public hearing it held on the issue earlier this year. The regulator’s current definition of Canadian content is based on awarding points when Canadians occupy key creative positions in a production. The review is part of a series of hearings the regulator is holding to implement the Online Streaming Act, which updated broadcasting laws to capture online platforms like Netflix.

Champion Saskatchewan Roughriders to hold parade

It’s parade day as the Grey Cup champions Saskatchewan Roughriders bring the CFL’s top prize home. The Riders are to hold a procession this afternoon in Regina down Albert Street, known as the Green Mile, and stop at the legislature building for a ceremony. Organizers say head coach Corey Mace and quarterback Trevor Harris are set to make speeches at the event. The public is asked to line the parade from 13th Avenue to 20th Avenue, and avoid crowding residential streets near Mosaic Stadium. The Riders beat the Montreal Alouettes 25-17 to take the cup Sunday in Winnipeg.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 18, 2025.

The Canadian Press