Prime Minister Mark Carney is convening with his cabinet to strategize the government’s autumn agenda in preparation for a parliamentary showdown with Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre amidst an ongoing trade dispute with the United States. Carney’s discussions in the Greater Toronto Area over two days will center on aiding industries impacted by Trump’s tariffs, fostering affordable housing, expediting large-scale infrastructure projects, bolstering defense expenditures, and addressing crime issues.
According to David Coletto, CEO of Abacus Data, public attention on U.S. President Donald Trump is diminishing, prompting expectations for Carney’s administration to address a broader spectrum of challenges beyond the trade conflict. Coletto noted that Canadians are increasingly concerned about the cost of living, healthcare, crime, and immigration, in addition to the trade war.
Poilievre, emphasizing his commitment to tackling the cost of living, is set to hold a press conference in the Greater Toronto Area focusing on immigration. Poilievre, making a return to Parliament after securing a Conservative stronghold seat in Alberta, has criticized Carney for allegedly making concessions to Trump without receiving reciprocal benefits, such as removing some retaliatory tariffs to facilitate trade negotiations.
An unnamed MP from Carney’s party acknowledged Poilievre’s adeptness at adapting strategies and expressed concerns about the government’s communication methods to avoid repeating past criticisms of elitism and arrogance. Another Liberal MP highlighted frustrations within the caucus regarding the limited influence they possess in decision-making processes.
The Prime Minister’s Office disclosed that pollster Jean-Marc Léger will brief the cabinet on public opinion trends, while Jobs and Families Minister Patty Hajdu emphasized the government’s commitment to the “Build Canada Strong” agenda, with a focus on expediting infrastructure projects. The government is also facing calls from the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs to address the perceived rise in antisemitism across the country.
Carney’s discussions coincide with ongoing budget preparations that are anticipated to involve fiscal restraint measures. The format of the cabinet meetings under Carney’s leadership is expected to differ from previous administrations, adopting a “cabinet planning forum” approach with structured working sessions and designated speakers engaging with the media.