OTTAWA — With the release of the first budget from Prime Minister Mark Carney's government approaching in less than two weeks, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is set to meet with Carney to express his party's concerns. The meeting is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday.

The announcement of the meeting came shortly after Poilievre sent a letter outlining the Conservative Party's demands for the budget. In the letter, he urged the government to change its course and collaborate with Conservatives to fulfill what he described as Canada’s promise. “You need to reverse course and join with Conservatives to restore Canada’s promise that hard work is rewarded, food and homes are affordable, streets are safe, and our economy is self-reliant,” Poilievre wrote.

He emphasized a willingness to work with any party, stating, “We will work with anyone from any party to achieve that goal. So please feel free to steal our ideas — in action, not just talk.”

The letter raised several key issues, including homebuilding, government spending, the cost of living, and concerns about Canada’s shrinking economy. Poilievre criticized the government for maintaining many of former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s economic policies, saying, “You have kept almost all of Justin Trudeau’s economic policies — now you are repeating his promises.”

He further challenged the government's stance on deficits, arguing, “You claim that big deficits are investments. That is exactly the alchemy Trudeau promised: that deficits would spark investment and growth.”

As the budget approaches, there are growing concerns about the potential for a non-confidence vote in the House of Commons, which could threaten Carney’s minority government. The government is under pressure to ensure that all parties are satisfied with the budget to avoid such a scenario. The Prime Minister's Office declined to comment on the meeting until it occurs.