The budget was approved today by a 211 – 91 vote. As anticipated, the NDP and Bloc both voted against the budget. As well, the 6 Liberal MPs from Newfoundland and Labrador voted against the budget. Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff allowed these 6 MPs to vote against their own party as a one time protest vote to bring attention to the fact that the new budget is cutting out $1.6 billion in federal transfer payments to their province.

As decided upon yesterday, Prime Minister Stephen Harper will be required to provide updates and reports on the budget’s progress in March, June and December. At any of these points, if the opposition expresses non confidence in the government, Canada will have another election.