Canada's parliament narrowly approves Prime Minister Carney's first federal budget

The approval of the fiscal plan - the second largest in Canada's history - allows the prime minister's minority government to avert an early election.

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The fiscal plan, which raises Canada's deficit to a projected C$78bn ($55.3bn; £42.47bn), was passed thanks to crucial support from opposition MPs, including Green Party leader Elizabeth May.

Many opposition lawmakers have sharply criticised the fiscal plan - the second largest in history. The plan passed with 170 votes in favour and 168 against.

Carney, who served as the former central banker for both Canada and the UK, has defended the budget as a "generational investment" to help Canada strengthen its economy.

The vote was crucial for Carney's Liberal government, which currently sits two seats short of a majority.