MPs back in House of Commons as Carney, Poilievre return to Canada

The view of the government benches is seen from the Speakers Chair in the Chamber of the House of Commons, in Ottawa, Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

OTTAWA — Members of Parliament are back in the House of Commons today, where the government is expected to face tough questions about new auditor general reports and the ongoing war in Iran.

Canada has said it is looking at helping Gulf nations and might contribute to efforts to unblock fuel shipments, although it has insisted it has no intention of joining the U.S. military campaign.

Prime Minister Mark Carney and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre are both returning to Ottawa after international trips.

Carney was on vacation in Europe after his latest official trip overseas to Norway and the United Kingdom, and Poilievre made a swing through the U.S.

Floor-crossing rumours continue to circulate on Parliament Hill after Nunavut MP Lori Idlout left the NDP to join the Liberals earlier this month, becoming the fourth MP to do so in the last four months.

Three byelections are being held on April 13, which could grant the Liberals a majority in the House of Commons.

• READ MORE: Carney, Starmer share ‘deep concern’ over Iran war as conflict disrupts shipping routes
• READ MORE: Poilievre set up ‘Joe Rogan Experience’ interview himself, Conservative campaign manager says

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 23, 2026.

—With files from Dylan Robertson and Catherine Morrison

Catherine Morrison, The Canadian Press