OTTAWA - Prime Minister Mark Carney traveled to Toronto on Tuesday for two days of private meetings with his cabinet in preparation for the upcoming fall legislative session. This marks Carney's second cabinet retreat since his spring election victory, and it is the first to include his new chief of staff, Marc-André Blanchard, a former Canadian ambassador to the United Nations, along with his new principal secretary, David Lametti, who previously served as justice minister.

Carney's initial cabinet retreat took place at Meech Lake in Quebec in May and was characterized by its secrecy, with the Prime Minister's Office denying media access. This approach contrasts with that of Carney's predecessor, Justin Trudeau, whose cabinet retreats typically featured ministers addressing the media to discuss government plans and priorities. However, this time, media will be permitted at the retreat site.

The meetings, scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, will concentrate on several key issues. These include expediting major project approvals, increasing the availability of affordable housing, expanding the domestic defense industry, and assisting sectors affected by U.S. tariffs in retooling and diversifying.

Additionally, the Prime Minister's Office indicated that the discussions will help initiate Canada's preparations for the review of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement on trade, which is set for 2026. Carney's government is facing a busy agenda this fall, particularly in light of U.S. President Donald Trump's fluctuating global tariff policies and the upcoming fall budget.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has expressed concerns that Trump may adopt a more aggressive stance on trade this fall, potentially reopening discussions on the trade agreement before the official 2026 timeline. Carney previously stated that releasing a budget in the spring would have been premature due to the economic uncertainty stemming from Trump's trade actions. Experts anticipate a higher federal deficit when Carney's first budget is unveiled in October.

Carney has indicated that defense spending will be a priority in the budget as Canada aims to meet NATO's defense spending target of 2 percent of GDP. He has also mentioned the need for fiscal discipline, emphasizing cost savings and balancing the budget's operational side.

For several months, Carney's administration has been advocating for new legislation that would allow the government to expedite the approval process for major industrial projects. He recently announced plans to make port infrastructure announcements in the coming days.

The Liberal caucus is expected to convene next week in Edmonton before Parliament reconvenes on September 15, providing the governing Liberals with another opportunity to shape the political agenda as Members of Parliament return from their summer recess.