Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney confirmed at his first press conference after the election that he will visit the White House to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump next Tuesday, May 6th.

Meanwhile, Carney also announced four major tax cuts, housing, immigration, and public order policies, and called on Canadians to return home.

Source: cpac

Carney confirms visit to the US on May 6th

Expected dialogue with Trump to be "difficult but productive"

Carney said that his first meeting with Trump would focus on current tariff issues as well as broader bilateral relations between Canada and the United States.

"It is crucial to start engagement immediately, which has been our shared intention," Carney said. "I am delighted to have the opportunity to hold a series of quite comprehensive meetings on Tuesday."

When asked how to avoid encountering a similar "ambush" conversation scene as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy did in late February, Carney responded: "My expectation for this trip is to conduct constructive, although difficult, but productive dialogue. This has always been the communication atmosphere between me and the president."

"One must be fully prepared, understand each other's goals, and always prioritize Canadian interests. Then we can advance according to the situation on site."

Carney reiterated one of the core positions during the campaign: "As I repeatedly emphasized during the campaign, the old relationship based on increasing integration with the United States has ended. The question now is how our two countries will cooperate in the future and how Canada will reposition its direction."

When asked by reporters whether Trump mentioned the issue of making Canada the "51st state" during the congratulatory call after his election win, Carney's response was very clear: "No."

However, according to a report by CBC French Service (Radio-Canada) last week, Trump did bring up this topic during their first phone call when Carney just took office in March.

Previously, Carney stated that he would only talk to the U.S. president after the latter showed respect for Canada.

Some journalists pointed out that Trump and members of his administration still occasionally mention the idea of making Canada the "51st state," and there were recent similar remarks. Carney responded: "We must distinguish between wishes and reality."

He added, "Canadians have clearly stated that Canada will never join the United States. Future relations will have ups and downs, but as I said, I will strive for the most favorable agreement for Canada and only accept results that are best for Canada."

Carney announces four tax cuts, housing, immigration, and public order policies

Calling on overseas Canadians to return home

At the press conference on Friday morning, Carney also announced a series of policy updates:

1. Tax cuts and elimination of interprovincial barriers starting July 1st

Carney also reiterated some of the promises he made during the campaign, including strengthening ties with other international trade partners and eliminating interprovincial trade barriers before Canada Day on July 1st.

He also announced that measures to reduce taxes for the lowest-income group would also take effect on the same day.

2. Four housing policy reforms

"Build Canada Homes" plan: The federal government will provide CAD 25 billion in funding support to private developers for building more homes.

Expansion of new home tax rebate: Newly built homes priced between CAD 1 million and 1.5 million will be exempt from goods and services tax (GST), with first-time buyers potentially saving up to CAD 50,000.

Reduction in multi-unit residential development fees: Multi-family residential development fees will be reduced, with Carney stating that in Toronto, this could reduce the construction cost of a two-bedroom unit by approximately CAD 40,000.

New modular and prefabricated housing industry: The government will establish a completely new modular and prefabricated housing industry supported by local Canadian technology, workers, and timber to accelerate construction, reduce costs, and minimize environmental impact.

3. Further tightening immigration policies

In addition, Carney announced during this speech that by the end of 2027, Canada will limit the number of temporary foreign workers and international students to below 5% of the total population.

He stated: "This will decrease from the recent high point of 7.3%, helping to alleviate pressure on housing, public infrastructure, and social services."

4. Crackdown on crime: Tightening criminal law and bail regulations

At the press conference, Carney also emphasized that he would "tighten criminal law and bail regulations, targeting behaviors that threaten the safety of Canadians."

Pierre Poilievre, leader of the Conservative Party, focused much of his campaign on this issue of cracking down on crime.

Carney stated that suspects accused of car theft, burglary, human trafficking, and smuggling would find it harder to obtain bail.

Carney also called on overseas Canadians to return home: "Now is the best time to come back." He also noted that Canada possesses global-envied multiculturalism, rule of law, freedom of speech, and democratic systems.

Source: CityNews

King Charles will personally deliver the "Speech from the Throne" in Canada

Carney also announced that the new cabinet would be sworn in during the week of May 12th, and Parliament would reconvene on May 26th.

The prime minister also confirmed that King Charles III would deliver Canada's "Speech from the Throne" on May 27th, the government's policy address.

"This historic honor is commensurate with the weight of our times," Carney added that Queen Camilla would accompany the king on his visit to Canada.

This is the first time since Queen Elizabeth II delivered the "Speech from the Throne" in 1977 that a reigning monarch has personally delivered the speech in Canada.

Carney stated that King Charles III accepting the invitation to deliver the next "Speech from the Throne" sends a clear message regarding the "51st state" issue.

"This clearly emphasizes the sovereignty of our nation," he said. "His Majesty is the highest head of state of Canada."

Currently, King Charles III has not yet responded to Trump's comments about annexation, which is not surprising. Members of the royal family traditionally avoid intervening in political matters, especially those involving Commonwealth nations. Charles' role is more diplomatic and ceremonial.

Source: X@The Royal Family

Poilievre prepares for by-election to return to Parliament

Carney promises "quick arrangements without tricks"

Regarding the issue of Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre losing his seat, Carney stated that a by-election should be held as soon as possible so that he can have the opportunity to return to the lower house if this is the decision of the Conservative Party.

This Monday, Poilievre lost his seat in Ottawa-Carleton after serving for over 20 years, placing him in an unusual situation as a party leader without a seat in the lower house.

Carney said in French: "I have told Mr. Poilievre that if this is the decision of the Conservative Party, I will initiate the by-election process."

He then added in English: "I will arrange the by-election as soon as possible without tricks or delays."

Meanwhile, the Conservative Party announced on Friday that Damien Kurek, the elected MP from Battle River—Crowfoot in Alberta, will resign to make way for Poilievre to run in the upcoming by-election.

Source: X@PierrePoilievre

Carney clearly stated:

Refusal to form a coalition government with the New Democratic Party

The Liberal Party fell short by four seats for a majority government in this election, and Carney also clearly stated that he would not seek a formal agreement with the New Democratic Party (NDP).

"No, simply no," Carney said. "We proposed a very clear set of goals and corresponding policies during the campaign and won the most votes in Canadian history."

"Although not a majority government, we received the highest number of votes."

In 2022, under Trudeau's leadership, the Liberals also faced a minority government and reached a "Supply and Confidence Agreement" with the NDP, where the NDP promised to support the government on key issues in exchange for commitments from the Liberals on shared priorities. This agreement was prematurely terminated by NDP leader Jagmeet Singh in September 2024.

In this election, the NDP only won seven seats and lost official party status (which requires at least 12 seats).

Jennifer Howard, national campaign director for the NDP, said she was not worried about NDP MPs defecting to the Liberal camp.

"I know those seven MPs; I've worked with them. They are steadfast NDP members. Moreover, I must say, in this country, switching parties is met with punishment. Voters supported the NDP, and they expect to see NDP MPs."

Carney has announced that he will swear in new cabinet members during the week of May 12th and reconvene Parliament on May 26th.

King Charles III will deliver the "Speech from the Throne" on May 27th.

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7499991444199899648/

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