Prime Minister Mark Carney applauds before speaking at a Liberal caucus meeting on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Sunday. CBC
Prime Minister Mark Carney told his party members to prepare for a very busy period. He promised quick action and a strong focus on improving life in Canada. Speaking to his Liberal caucus, Carney said the government will work hard to make life more affordable. This includes delivering a promised tax cut soon.
Carney also said ministers will push laws to speed up important infrastructure projects. He spoke in both English and French, emphasizing urgency.
“We are going to be very, very busy in the next few weeks,” he said. “And in the next few months and years.”
Top priorities: economy, trade, and affordability
Carney said his government’s main goals include building a stronger economy and improving ties with key trade partners like the United States. He wants to create what he calls “one Canadian economy” by removing trade barriers between provinces.
He also promised a tax cut by Canada Day to help Canadians keep more money in their pockets. “In every one of our actions, we will be guided by a new fiscal discipline,” he said in French.
Steven MacKinnon, House Leader, told an interviewer that Carney wants to move fast on these goals. “It’s very refreshing,” MacKinnon said. “We’re going to get at it.”
Reform Act rejected by Liberal caucus
Before the caucus meeting, some wondered if the Liberals would adopt the Reform Act. This law would give MPs more power to remove their leader if needed. But the newly elected caucus chair, James Maloney, said they voted it down.
The Reform Act, supported by Conservative MP Michael Chong, aims to give caucus members more control over leadership. Conservatives used it to remove their leader in 2022. If adopted, 20% of MPs could force a leadership review. A majority would then decide whether to oust the leader.
Parliament returns with big events ahead
Parliament resumes work after nearly six months off. The first task will be electing the Speaker of the House. Then, King Charles will deliver the speech from the throne, outlining government priorities. This speech by the monarch is rare, happening only three times since Canada became a country.
Canada also prepares to host the G7 meeting in Alberta in June. Leaders from six other countries will attend. Later, Canada will watch the NATO summit in the Netherlands, where defence spending will be a major topic.
Carney’s government pledged to increase defence spending by $18 billion to meet NATO targets. The U.S. President has pushed allies to spend even more.
Looking ahead
Carney’s recent letter to his cabinet sets other goals too. These include attracting skilled workers, cutting government costs, and strengthening law enforcement. Parliament will break again for summer on June 20. Carney promises a budget plan in the fall.
Canada faces a busy time as new laws and big international meetings arrive. Carney wants his team ready to act fast and deliver results.
