THE Liberals now have 170 seats out of 343 in the House of Commons — just two shy of a majority — thanks to Nova Scotia MP Chris d’Entremont quitting the Conservative Party and joining the ruling party.

In a statement, d’Entremont said: “After serious consideration and thoughtful conversations with constituents and my family, I came to a clear conclusion: there is a better path forward for our country – and a better path forward for [his riding] Acadie-Annapolis.”

He added: “Prime Minister Mark Carney is offering that path with a new Budget that hits the priorities I have heard most in my riding, to build strong community infrastructure and grow a stronger economy. That is why I am joining the Government caucus.”

Meanwhile, the Liberals hope to pass their budget with the help of the NDP that is likely to ask some of its MPs to abstain from voting.