LA PRESSE CANADIENNE/Adrian Wyld
LA PRESSE CANADIENNE/Adrian Wyld
À la suite d’une fin de session parlementaire productive, le premier ministre Mark Carney amorce un été déterminant, marqué par d'importants enjeux politiques, économiques et commerciaux. Dans cette analyse, nos experts en affaires publiques examinent les principaux dossiers à surveiller et les occasions qu'ils représentent pour les entreprises et les parties prenantes. Cet article est offert en anglais seulement.
With a majority government in hand, priority bills enacted, and an opposition still struggling to find its footing, by many measures summer 2026 is off to a strong start for the Prime Minister. Despite the potential to slide back into minority territory, with four MP resignation on the horizon, Carney is as focused as ever in advancing his economic and trade agenda.
This will be anything but a quiet “normal” summer on the political front. Quite the opposite.
The summer months ahead are rife with political challenges with the potential for major pitfalls. How Prime Minister Carney and his Cabinet navigate this landscape ahead will determine the government’s prospects for a full term – let alone a second one. For businesses and stakeholders, this summer will be a crucial opportunity to secure traction, for both short term and long-term priorities.
A productive end to the parliamentary session
Prior to rising, the Liberal government passed numerous bills, previously held up by the opposition including the Build Canada Homes Act, Combatting Hate Act, and the Spring Economic Update Act. Together with the previously enacted Bill C-5, One Canadian Economy Act, and Bill C-15, Budget 2025 Implementation Act No. 1, Carney has secured the legislative authorities needed to advance his nation-building agenda.
In the final days of the Parliamentary session, the federal government launched its long-awaited AI for All strategy, with Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation Minister Evan Solomon quickly tabling a pair of bills to implement numerous legislative measures to support that strategy – Bill C-34, Safe Social Media Act and Bill C-36, Protecting Privacy and Consumer Data Act. Over the summer months, Minister Solomon and his team will be hearing from industry and advocacy groups about the elements of this legislative package – the government’s third attempt to establish rules to govern this sector.
With polls indicating Canadians continue to favour both the Prime Minister and his strategy for Canada, Carney now has the tools and public mandate to implement his agenda. Since last year’s election, the Liberals are maintaining a sizeable lead, with an average across major polls at 44% to the Conservatives at 35%. Supporting the party’s leadership, Carney is well in the lead for preferred Prime Minister at 48.6% approval in a recent Nanos poll, and 57% in the latest Leger poll. Should forthcoming byelections tip the scales back to minority government, the Liberals strong standing in the polls may favour a snap election.
A defining summer for government and business
Just days into the summer recess, the Prime Minister is already facing significant milestones with the CUSMA joint review officially kicking off July 1, coinciding with the pipeline application target date under the Alberta-Canada MOU. Success on both files being imperative for the Prime Minister, his political standing and economic agenda, with both agreements being critical to Canada’s economic well-being and competitiveness. This summer will be an important advocacy period for businesses, stakeholders and constituents alike. While there will be numerous high-profile events, including Calgary Stampede and the Council of the Federation – where political leaders will be convening – more than ever, it’s opportunity to advance measured policy and economic advice to decision-makers and officials to support informing and advising on these major developments underway. Quietly in the background, the federal government’s new budget cycle is in effect, with 2026 pre-budget consultations actively underway both by the legislature and executive arms of government.
Finally, in addition to securing traction on the government’s own priorities, it’s an important period to advance issues that have fallen off the radar – whether that’s to maintain funding or secure engagement in new areas – the competition for time is real.
As always, NATIONAL’s public affairs team – with experts in all key markets across the country – are eager to work with your team to successfully navigate the political landscape. Reach out today to explore how we may be of service.
