India, Nov. 6 -- While the prospect of a potential mid-term Christmas election in Canada has not completely vanished, it has receded with an MP from the opposition Conservatives defecting to the ruling Liberal Party.

The possibility of the Government of Prime Minister Mark Carney facing a snap election had arisen as his party, with the minority in the House of Commons, did not appear to have sufficient votes to pass the budget which was presented on Tuesday. That vote, considered a confidence motion, is expected later this month.

Chris d'Entremont, the lone Conservative MP from the province of Nova Scotia, appeared with Carney on Wednesday and joined the government ranks in the House. He placed the onus of his defection on Conservative ...