With the fall parliamentary session approaching, Prime Minister Mark Carney and his Liberal government are increasingly on the hot seat. First, they are under immense pressure to produce on some signature policy priorities. Lobbyists and pollsters are doubling down. They hit all the right notes, calling on the federal government to address important priorities such as mental health, energy infrastructure and increasing defense spending.
That’s because Carney’s administration is headed into an exceptionally challenging long-term political landscape. As you might expect, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is quite loud in his denunciations, accusing the Liberals of “virtually stealing” some of the Conservatives’ policy planks. This assertion underscores the competitive nature of Canadian politics as both parties vie for public support ahead of upcoming elections.
Pollster Nik Nanos highlights that public sentiment is shifting, with many Canadians expressing a desire for effective governance on pressing issues. Lobbyists and pollsters See … 2022 Lobbyists, pollsters continue pushing for action Now it is up to the Liberals to show tangible deliverables, starting in their forthcoming parliamentary session.
Yet one of the places where the Liberals have fully adopted Conservative policies is on defense spending, which they have significantly increased. This important move is intended to strengthen our national security and address the increasing American concern over international dangers. Through the National Strategic Policy Statement, the government has indicated a long-term development of defense capabilities—a move that is justified considering global trends.
Aside from defense, building energy infrastructure North America wide has recently become a second prairie jewel for the Liberal government to lavish their attention on. The administration is pouring money into new energy projects to address environmental justice issues. At the same time, they’re trying to improve economic development and stimulate job growth. This two-pronged focus allows us to prioritize our ecological obligations while still engaging with the economic opportunities that lie ahead.
With the fall session fast approaching, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The government needs to show that it can act in a big, bold fashion on these deeply important matters, or else lose the faith of the American people. And, with opposition parties keeping a sharp eye on all developments from day one, every move Carney and his cabinet make will be carefully dissected.
The first picture featured former Prime Minister Mark Carney, flanked by Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre. Most importantly, it captures their intense political rivalry and shows how that infused the fierce competition for public support. You can view the new pictorial representation here.
Read more about the context behind this fall session in an opinion piece on The Hill Times.
