A potential winter election has been avoided.

The Carney government’s first budget was passed in the House of Commons this evening.

The vote was 177 in favour to 168 against.

Some opposition members sided with the government, including Green leader Elizabeth May, who indicated her support to avoid an election.

Budget votes are considered confidence motions, and defeat would have resulted in an election just six months after Carney earned a minority government in June.

More to come.