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In the News Today: Carney Caucus Meeting, BC Election Speculation, IKEA Affordability
Carney will brief Liberal MPs on the fall agenda and his Europe outreach, including legislation to extend the fuel excise tax break, officials said.
Prime Minister Mark Carney addresses his Liberal caucus in Ottawa today following a diplomatic trip to Strasbourg, France, where he sought to strengthen European alliances on trade, defence and people-to-people ties.
Carney's diplomatic push aims to reduce Canada's reliance on the United States by deepening ties with Europe. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed Canada become the bloc's first "associate member" during discussions.
While Canada seeks to bolster Europe's energy security, experts note this does not necessarily entail tankers crossing the Atlantic Ocean laden with oil or liquefied natural gas. Canada currently lacks eastern port infrastructure for such exports.
The House of Commons fall sitting begins Monday, with legislation to enact the fuel excise tax extension announced on September 2 as the Liberals' first bill of the session.
Europe remains in a "precarious situation" as it pivots away from Russian energy imports following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. This geopolitical instability drives urgency behind the proposed energy alliance and formal partnership with Canada.