Liberals Gather in Montreal for National Convention as Mark Carney Eyes Majority

The Liberal Party of Canada has descended upon Montreal for its 2026 national convention, marking a significant turning point for the party. For the first time in over a decade, the proceedings are not dominated by Justin Trudeau, but by Prime Minister Mark Carney. The atmosphere at the Palais des congrès is described as “euphoric,” with thousands of members arriving to celebrate a surge in momentum and a government that stands on the cusp of achieving a majority.

The “Carney Effect” and a Fresh Political Era

Following a successful 2025 election campaign that secured the party’s largest vote share in nearly half a century, Mark Carney has fundamentally shifted the party’s trajectory. Attendees at the convention have cited the “Carney effect” as the primary driver for the massive turnout, particularly among first-time attendees. This energy is reflected in recent data from polling aggregator 338 Canada, which places Liberal support at a staggering 45 per cent nationally.

The convention, which runs from Thursday through Saturday, serves as the first major policy gathering since the party ousted Justin Trudeau and won the 2025 election. Even as the last policy convention in 2023 focused on rebutting claims that the party was too “woke,” the current focus has shifted toward Carney’s economic agenda.

Key Takeaways: 2026 Liberal National Convention

• Leadership Shift: The first major policy convention held without Justin Trudeau’s leadership in over ten years.
• Majority in Sight: A series of floor-crossings in Parliament have placed the Liberals on the verge of a majority government.
• Strong Public Support: National polling currently shows the party at 45 per cent support.
• Economic Focus: Prime Minister Carney is emphasizing an economic agenda to drive party growth and attract new members.

Floor-Crossings and the Path to a Majority

The mood in Montreal is further buoyed by the recent addition of several opposition MPs to the Liberal caucus. The party is currently celebrating its fifth floor-crosser, Marilyn Gladu, a former Conservative MP. Gladu’s arrival has helped the party move closer to a sought-after majority government.

Though, Gladu’s transition has not been without controversy. Her previous stances—including vaccine skepticism, support for the trucker convoy, anti-abortion views and opposition to cannabis legalization—have prompted questions from delegates and the media. Prime Minister Carney has addressed these concerns, stating that Gladu will vote with the government on issues regarding abortion and the rights of Canadians to be their “whole selves.”

Infrastructure and National Interest

Beyond the political maneuvering of the convention, Prime Minister Carney is using the trip to Montreal to deliver on tangible infrastructure goals. On Thursday, Carney visited Contrecoeur to announce $1.16 billion in federal financing for the expansion of the Port of Montreal.

This project, the first to start construction under the new Major Projects Office, is designed to fast-track initiatives deemed of “national interest.” The expansion is expected to increase the port’s capacity by 60 per cent, aligning with the administration’s broader economic strategy.

Looking Ahead

As the convention continues, the party remains focused on maintaining its current momentum ahead of three upcoming byelections scheduled for Monday. The climax of the event will occur on Saturday at 2 p.m. ET, when Prime Minister Carney is set to address the convention for the first time since winning the leadership.