OTTAWA – Prime Minister Mark Carney and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre are expected to meet this week following the resumption of Parliament, signaling a rare moment of potential bipartisan cooperation. The meeting comes as Canada faces significant economic pressure from the United States, with Poilievre expressing a willingness to work alongside the government to address trade restrictions and secure tariff-free agreements.
A Focus on U.S. Tariffs and Trade
In a video posted to X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, Pierre Poilievre sought an urgent meeting with the Prime Minister, emphasizing his party’s “openness to hear other ideas and work together to fast-track results.” The Conservative leader highlighted that his party is ready to assist the government in fighting U.S. tariffs, which have reportedly intensified since President Donald Trump’s second term began. Poilievre noted that a united front is essential to protect Canadian sovereignty and jobs that rely heavily on cross-border trade.
The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) confirmed that Carney is interested in discussing the priorities of opposition leaders. This follows a high-profile address by Carney at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where he defended Canada’s economic independence and sought to build a “principled and pragmatic” path forward amid global trade instability.
Aligning on Affordability
Beyond trade, the meeting is expected to touch on domestic affordability. There appears to be a tentative agreement between the Liberals and Conservatives regarding Bill C-19, which includes the “Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit.” This policy, a rebranding and top-up of the GST credit, aims to provide financial relief to over 12 million Canadians struggling with food inflation.
Interim NDP Leader Don Davies has already met with the Prime Minister to discuss similar priorities. While the NDP remains critical of previous Liberal policies, Davies has indicated that his party will focus on immediate actions regarding jobs, housing, and healthcare during this parliamentary session.
Strategic Cooperation Over Election Calls
Despite the heated rhetoric often seen in the House of Commons, Conservative Campaign Manager Steve Outhouse indicated that the party is prioritizing constructive results over forcing an immediate election. Outhouse stated that while the Conservatives are “ready to go” whenever an election is called, their current focus is on supporting policies that benefit Canadians and addressing the urgent trade crisis.
This shift toward cooperation suggests that the gravity of the trade threats from the U.S. has prompted federal leaders to put “country ahead of party,” at least temporarily, to ensure Canada’s economic stability in 2026.
