The ongoing affordability crisis and the looming threat of recession federal government liberal cupboard Host a post-holiday cupboard Withdraw this week.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his Cabinet will spend the next three days at a hotel in Hamilton, formulating political and policy strategies for the weeks and months ahead.
In a written statement last week, Trudeau said the retreat will allow ministers to consider ways to make life more affordable and “seize new opportunities for Canadian workers and businesses.”
He just completed a week-long cross-country trip that highlights Canada’s attempts to expand its battery and electric vehicle industries, including mining the key minerals both rely on. .
But Canadians continue to feel the economic pinch after more than a year of high inflation, and many expect the economy to plunge into recession this year.
“We are going through a difficult time right now,” Trudeau said during a visit to the Stellantis assembly plant in Windsor, Ontario, last week.
Three years of instability and unrest, initially caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, were followed by a recession, followed by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and pandemic-related supply chain disruptions. Both contributed to and slowed inflation and subsequent interest rate hikes.
“Much of a prime minister’s tenure has been defined by how he has had to respond to a series of new crises, and Canadians are starting to turn their attention to some of them again this year.” Tank and former Communications Director of the Liberal Party of Canada.
Affordability was also a top priority at the last Liberal cupboard Retreat in Vancouver in September. The government will temporarily increase the GST rebate, federal government renter’s housing allowance. He also moved on dental care benefits for young children as part of a trust and supply deal the Liberals struck with his NDP last March.
The fall economic statement promised to help low- and moderate-income workers by adjusting Canadian Workers Benefits to quarterly advances and permanently ending interest rates. federal government student loans.
Carlene Varian, vice president of Summa Strategies and former senior staff member of several liberal cabinet offices, said if more steps were taken, they would be similar to what has already been delivered. .
“I think we know what this government’s strategy is regarding measures to help Canadians during the economic downturn. It will provide direct support to the family rather than any other measures,” she said.
Varyan said he expected the withdrawal to be an opportunity for the US. cupboard Take a step back and revisit their proxy just over a year after it was issued after the 2021 election.
“They will spend a good deal of time at Hamilton next week taking an inventory of what they have accomplished in a year and what they realistically expect to be able to accomplish during the rest of their term.” ” she said.
“World events have changed many dynamics, be it trade or economic conditions or, apparently, the war in Ukraine. So how have those priorities evolved or changed?”
Prime Minister Trudeau spent much of the last week meeting in person with most of his cabinet members to kick-start that process. There was some speculation that Prime Minister Trudeau would choose to rearrange the teams before the House returns, but there is no shuffle at this time.
cupboard Also keep in mind the government’s trust and supply arrangements with the NDP. The new leader of the Democratic Party, Jagmeet Singh, signaled last week that in order for the deal to continue, he must keep his promise to pass the Pharmacare Act this year.
The fall economic statement strongly points to the government’s fiscal priorities for 2023, and next spring’s budget will include guidance on how the government can stay competitive with other jurisdictions in investing in clean technology. It is promised that more detailed content will be included in the
The government also announced this year legislation to help Canada’s oil and gas industry workers retrain for new jobs in clean, renewable energy or technologies that reduce fossil fuel emissions. It promises a “just transition” law. That bill has already sparked political battles with the Alberta government, which faces elections in the spring.
Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos is also negotiating with the cantons for a new policy. federal government-It’s a state health funding deal, and we may give ministers an update on that while we’re in Hamilton.