If you’re thinking about reaching out to the new Carney government, consider how your asks align with the priorities it has publicly laid out.
Prime Minister Carney’s mandate letters to Cabinet and the recent Speech from the Throne delivered a clear message about the government’s current focus: supporting Canada’s economy, expanding global trade, improving housing affordability, investing in skilled trades, and strengthening the military.
Stakeholders should consider updating their advocacy strategies to reflect these priorities and address the current challenges the government is facing.
Proposals that are inconsistent with these priorities will be much harder to advance in the short term.
New Government, New Priorities
King Charles’ Speech from the Throne further highlighted these priorities and reaffirmed Canada’s strong relationship with the UK and the Commonwealth as key allies and trading partners.
The Carney government’s seven key priorities, as outlined in the mandate letters and the Throne Speech, include:
- Strengthening global partnerships – Enhancing Canada’s relationships with global trading partners and allies, including establishing a new relationship with the United States.
- Growing the economy – Accelerating the approval of Major Federal Projects and collaborating with provinces to reduce barriers to interprovincial trade and labour mobility.
- Reducing the cost of living – Implementing a middle-class tax cut, and continuing support for affordable child care, pharmacare, and dental care programs.
- Improving housing affordability – Reducing the GST on new homes, stimulating a domestic affordable housing industry, and creating more jobs in skilled trades.
- Strengthening national security – Bolstering the Canadian Armed Forces, securing borders, and reinforcing law enforcement.
- Revamping immigration policy – Attracting skilled workers while adjusting immigration levels to sustainable targets.
- Controlling government spending – Capping annual government spending growth at 2%, limiting the size of the public service, and using technology to improve public sector productivity.
What If My Sector Isn’t Among the Government’s Top Priorities?
The mandate letters and Throne Speech highlight the government’s immediate focus. However, the Liberals’ recent election platform also sheds light on other important areas of interest. Ministers will be responsible for advancing these additional priorities as part of their individual portfolios.
Additional Liberal commitments include:
- Reforming the carbon tax and promoting clean energy
- Investing in healthcare and expanding the health workforce
- Protecting Canadian agriculture and supporting supply management
- Creating new national parks
- Advancing Indigenous reconciliation, including doubling the Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program
Develop a Plan of Action
Now is the time to refresh your government relations strategy to align with the new government’s priorities and prepare to engage with new decision-makers.
13 of the 28 members of Carney’s Cabinet are newly elected Members of Parliament and first-time ministers. Many of them come from the private sector and may bring a different approach to governing.
To be effective, your proposals should aim to help the government meet its stated goals. Position your organization as a solution partner, not just a stakeholder with another financial ask.
Supporting new ministers in fulfilling their mandates and helping them deliver results will position your organization as a credible and constructive partner.