Overview

• Prime Minister Mark Carney is leading a two‑day Liberal caucus retreat in Edmonton to set priorities before Parliament returns on Sept. 15.
• Carney is scheduled to meet Alberta Premier Danielle Smith on Wednesday, with Smith pressing nine demands that target federal rules such as Bill C‑69, an oil and gas emissions cap, the West Coast tanker ban and the net‑zero car mandate.
• The government is preparing to unveil an initial short list of projects to be fast‑tracked under Bill C‑5, with Major Projects Office head Dawn Farrell expected at the meetings after recent hints of port and housing announcements.
• An October budget is in the works under a “spend less, invest more” approach, with ministers ordered to find ambitious savings and with the 2026 zero‑emissions vehicle sales mandate paused for a year during a policy review.
• Weak August labour data and ongoing U.S. tariff pressures are sharpening the focus on results, as polls show the Liberals leading but with slipping satisfaction and opposition parties pledging to intensify pressure.