Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to convene with his cabinet in Toronto for a two-day gathering ahead of the upcoming legislative session. This marks Carney’s second cabinet retreat since his victory in the spring election, with a notable inclusion of his new chief of staff, Marc-André Blanchard, and principal secretary David Lametti.
Unlike his predecessor, Justin Trudeau, who engaged with the media during such retreats, Carney’s initial post-election meeting in May at Meech Lake was shrouded in secrecy. However, the upcoming retreat will see media access granted.
The agenda for the meetings, scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, revolves around expediting major project approvals, enhancing affordable housing, strengthening the domestic defense sector, and assisting industries affected by U.S. tariffs to pivot and diversify. Additionally, discussions will kickstart Canada’s preparations for the upcoming review of the North American trade agreement in 2026.
With challenges such as President Trump’s unpredictable tariff policies and an impending budget on the horizon, Carney’s government faces a busy fall. The anticipation is high for Carney’s inaugural budget release in October, with a focus on defense spending and fiscal responsibility.
Carney’s administration has been advocating for legislation that streamlines the approval process for significant industrial projects, and the retreat aims to showcase advancements in this area. Carney has hinted at forthcoming port infrastructure announcements, with the Liberal caucus scheduled to convene in Edmonton before Parliament resumes in mid-September.