Good morning. The federal budget faces its final confidence test today. More on that below, plus a UN vote on stabilizing Gaza and funding cuts for B.C. long-term care staffing. Let’s get to it.

The latest: The federal budget is expected to narrowly pass its third confidence vote today. Mark Carney’s Liberals are two seats shy of a majority after gaining an MP when Nova Scotia Conservative Chris d’Entremont crossed the floor. At least four opposition MPs need to either abstain or not show up to vote for the budget to pass, assuming none vote in favour. (The Speaker, a Liberal, can’t vote unless there’s a tie, which four abstentions and no opposition MPs in favour would create.)

The players: Up to five of the seven NDP MPs are expected to vote against the budget, while two are expected to abstain, two NDP sources told The Globe. Meanwhile, the Greens’ Elizabeth May said she’s in talks with the government about helping to pass the budget and avoid an election. As for the Conservatives and the Bloc, their leaders say their parties will vote against it – but it remains to be seen whether all their MPs will fall in line.

Behind the scenes: A senior Liberal source told The Globe that though the budget does not currently have enough confirmed votes to pass, the party is confident some members of the opposition parties can be swayed. That’s because a failed vote would mean a second federal election this year – and nobody wants that.

The latest: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to oppose any attempts to establish a Palestinian state. He made the remarks Sunday ahead of a Monday vote by the United Nations Security Council on a U.S. proposal for an international stabilization force in Gaza. The United States revised the resolution to bring in stronger language about a “credible pathway” to Palestinian statehood.

What’s next: More countries in recent months have declared their recognition of a Palestinian state, including Canada. But Netanyahu has long ruled out Palestinian independence, calling it a “prize” for Hamas.

The latest: At a west Toronto dive bar, a band called Lego Money takes the stage monthly, playing covers of hits by AC/DC, Green Day and Survivor, plus some original tunes. Nine-year-old Carmel Ketchabaw (on drums) and his 12-year-old brother Zevon (guitars and vocals) are part of a wider trend: The so-called “COVID generation” is getting the band back together.

Rebels with a cause: Some young rockers started their musical projects during pandemic lockdowns as a way to pass time, while for others the bands are an outlet to deal with stress and escape from the world. For at least one, it’s a rebellion against smartphones. Maybe the kids are all right.

The latest: After British Columbia ended COVID-era pay supplements for overtime and contract workers, residents in some long-term care homes are facing worsening care. Some are eating alone or missing medications, and the number of LTC beds available is also in jeopardy.

What’s next: B.C. Health Minister Josie Osborne says a solution is in the works, but operators say they have heard nothing. The province began work several years ago on a new funding model for LTC employees, meant to begin its first phase in summer 2024, but it was put on pause ahead of that year’s election. Osborne says she has since directed staff to resume.

The latest: A Senate committee will be lookin