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Politico
a day ago
- Business
- Politico
Nation-builders, unite
Presented by U15 CANADA – Canada's Leading Research Universities Send tips | Subscribe here | Email Canada Playbook | Follow Politico Canada Happy Monday. Thanks for reading Canada Playbook. Let's get into it. → MARK CARNEY has his right-hand man. → Carney and the premiers enter decision mode in Saskatoon. → What else we're watching: Parliament, interest rates and postal workers. THE FIRST THING RIGHT-HAND MAN — At long last, MARK CARNEY has a permanent chief of staff. MARC-ANDRÉ BLANCHARD, Canada's former top envoy at the U.N., starts in July. Carney confirmed the hire on Sunday. — CV scan: Blanchard served on JUSTIN TRUDEAU's transition team in 2015 and then repped Trudeau's government at the U.N. for a little more than four years. (He left that post shortly after Canada lost a bid for the Security Council.) — Sounds like Carney: When Blanchard was honored by the Public Policy Forum in April, his remarks would've gone over well in the Prime Minister's Office. We've plucked three quotes from that speech delivered with some of Ottawa's top bureaucrats in the room. → 'To succeed in delivering faster, we need to remember that excellence in public policy does not require perfection. It requires progress, delivery and results.' → 'In today's world, with this climate, this economy, this global uncertainty, the real breakthroughs, the ones that will shape the next generation, will come when both sectors, public and private, start truly collaborating.' → 'There is no shortcut to trust. There is only the steady, honest, often uncelebrated, work of listening, of engaging with people who disagree with us, not thinking we know better, of standing in someone else's shoes, of doing the right thing and the right thing is often not theoretical perfection, but a good old Canadian compromise, even when it's hard.' Trade war TRUMPQUAKE — Canada's steel industry spent the weekend acclimating to new levels of anxiety after DONALD TRUMP told a crowd of steel workers near Pittsburgh on Friday that he would double tariffs on steel imports to 50 percent. The Canadian Steel Producers Association warned that tariff hikes would 'create mass disruption and negative consequences across our highly integrated steel supply chains and customers on both sides of the border.' — The official line: Canada-U.S. Trade Minister DOMINIC LEBLANC kept his powder dry over the weekend, confirming he had 'taken note' of Trump's escalation. → Elsewhere in tariffs: U.S. Commerce Secretary HOWARD LUTNICK told Fox News on Sunday that Trump will always find a way to keep tariffing trading partners, whatever courts might rule about the legality of his measures. 'He has so many other authorities that even in the weird and unusual circumstance where this was taken away, we just bring on another or another or another. Congress has given this authority to the president, and he's going to use it,' Lutnick said. LISTEN UP, OTTAWA DECISION TIME — Get used to hearing about 'nation-building.' That phrase will be all the rage at today's First Ministers' Meeting in Saskatoon, where Prime Minister MARK CARNEY and the premiers will hash out how to make the most out of Confederation. Carney teed up the agenda-topper during his interview last week with CBC's DAVID COCHRANE: 'We need to move on these nation-building projects. So projects that bring Canada together, projects that diversify our economy, projects that help us export to new markets and really move this economy forward.' — Wish lists: Early on in his time as PM, Carney asked premiers to submit priorities. Last week, reporters got their hands on a May 23 briefing document that shows a 'national interest' bill is in the works to fast-track nation-building projects with a streamlined regulatory approval process. Ottawa consulted provinces on the legislation. — Compare/contrast: Yukon Premier RANJ PILLAI is in the room today — his final FMM before he steps down as premier in a few weeks. We asked Pillai to compare former PM JUSTIN TRUDEAU's style at the premiers table to Carney's approach. 'Prime Minister Trudeau made time for a dialog to happen. So there was always a respectful exchange,' Pillai told us last week on the sidelines of CANSEC, the defense and security trade show that took over Ottawa's EY Centre. 'The difference now, which is more suited for me, is we are walking into meetings with a goal, and we're driving to an output. It's much more like a business meeting versus a political dialog. And that's the type of structure and platform we need now,' Pillai said. — Action items: Pillai's first go-around with Carney in charge was at the Canadian War Museum on March 21 — days before the PM called an election. 'My reflection [was] there might have been some policy differences, but everybody was walking out of that meeting very impressed with the decisions that were being made in real time, and entrusting our own abilities, and the people around us, to work at that speed,' Pillai said. — Pressure's on: Carney has set sky-high expectations for today's confab — a major test of his commitment to, and these are his words, 'Build, baby, build.' → Step by step: Alberta Premier DANIELLE SMITH and Ontario Premier DOUG FORD signed a memorandum of understanding meant to knock down trade barriers. The Globe reported that Ford also struck deals with Saskatchewan and Prince Edward Island. TALK OF THE TOWN NEXT UP: TRIVIA NIGHT — Our next Playbook Trivia Night is booked for this evening at the Met. Doors open at 7 p.m. First round starts at 7:30. — We still have a few tables available. RSVP via this Google Form. THREE THINGS WE'RE WATCHING PARLIAMENT — The government won't fall this week, nor any time soon. Don't expect the kind of brinkmanship that eventually comes to shape most minority governments. But we will get our first taste of voting patterns in a House of Commons only days removed from the pomp of a throne speech. — Voting time: MPs will spend most of the week arguing about the priorities laid out in the speech delivered by the king. Today, they'll vote on a Conservative motion tied to the throne speech debate that calls on the government to unveil an 'economic update or budget' before the chamber adjourns for the summer later this month. Spoiler alert: Liberals are waiting for the fall for their big budget reveal. They won't side with ANDREW SCHEER's crew on this one. — Opposition day: The House will debate the government's main estimates on Thursday — a spending package that requires parliamentary approval in order for the federal supply of money to keep flowing. Which means the opposition get to introduce a 'supply day' motion meant to spur headlines and create a little mischief. BANK OF CANADA — Odds are low that TIFF MACKLEM will budge the central bank's target rate from 2.75 percent when he steps up to a mic on Wednesday for his regularly scheduled rate announcement. Economists widely expect Macklem to stand pat for the second time in a row. — CIBC's AVERY SHENFELD has his sights set on later this year: 'Since the tariff outcome could now take longer to resolve amidst legal uncertainties we could end up getting only one 25 [basis point] cut this year, perhaps in Q4, rather than the two cuts we had projected.' — BMO's DOUG PORTER projects rates will eventually settle at 2 percent, but the bank might not rush to get there: 'We continue to believe that this is not the end of the line for rate cuts, but we are officially pushing back our timing of those trims, to restart in late July, and perhaps stretching into early next year.' LABOR RELATIONS — The Carney government is staring down its first labor relations test. Canada Post and the union that represents 55,000 postal workers are getting nowhere at the bargaining table. The employer wants Jobs Minister PATTY HAJDU to force a vote on a final offer sent to the Canadian Union of Postal Workers. In a statement, the union instead invited Canada Post to 'fair, final and binding arbitration to resolve all outstanding issues at the bargaining table.' — Context: Following a punishing postal strike last year, Ottawa tasked a commission with recommending a path forward for the two sides. WILLIAM KAPLAN's final report painted a bleak picture of the national postal service's viability — including this line: 'Canada Post is facing an existential crisis: It is effectively insolvent, or bankrupt. Without thoughtful, measured, staged, but immediate changes, its fiscal situation will continue to deteriorate.' — Government response: Hajdu and the secstate for labor, JOHN ZERUCELLI, have met with both sides in recent days. 'I urged both parties to continue working together to find an agreement that works for both parties and maintains a strong and lasting postal industry,' Hajdu said in a statement. MORNING MUST-CLICKS — The Globe's STEPHANIE LEVITZ writes that Conservative Leader PIERRE POILIEVRE could face a leadership review as early as March. — The Canadian Press reports: Manitoba officials say wildfire contained in Flin Flon, wind change could push it into city — From CBC News: No relief in sight from wildfires as 20 Sask. communities under evacuation orders — The inaugural episode of 'The Conversation' with POLITICO's DASHA BURNS: DR. OZ on the future of Medicaid, Trump's megabill and AI avatar health care" — From the Toronto Star: Memories, markdowns and mannequins — and a designer in mourning — mark the final day at Hudson's Bay Toronto flagship store — DAN MCCARTHY asks in Ottawa Life: Is an energy corridor the new national dream or an Ottawa mirage? Where the leaders are — Prime Minister MARK CARNEY attends the First Ministers' Meeting in Saskatoon. — Green Party Leader ELIZABETH MAY will meet with mayors from British Columbia and attend Parliament in person. THE ROOMS THAT MATTER — International Trade Minister MANINDER SIDHU is in Paris to attend the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Ministerial Council Meeting, participate in meetings with WTO ministers and host a G7 trade ministers' meeting. — U.S. Commerce Secretary HOWARD LUTNICK will give the keynote speech at the U.S.-India Strategic Partnership Forum's Leadership Summit 2025. Second lady USHA VANCE will also sit down for a fireside chat. PROZONE For Pro subscribers, our latest policy newsletter: Made in America? Not so fast In other news for Pro readers: — White House plans to pull nomination for NASA administrator — Trump tells Congress what to chop in 22 percent budget slashing — 'Trump time' becomes a liability for president's tariff agenda PLAYBOOKERS Birthdays: HBD to former broadcaster KEVIN NEWMAN. Noted: Canada's embassy in Washington is hiring a senior foreign policy and diplomacy service officer who will focus on Congress. Salary: $126,662 (that's U.S. dollars). Movers and shakers: A new tranche of ministerial chief-of-staff announcements made the rounds over the weekend. → CAROLINE LEE (Environment Minister JULIE DABRUSIN) → SAVANNAH DEWOLFE (Justice Minister SEAN FRASER) → SETH PICKARD-TATTRIE (Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Minister REBECCA ALTY) → TANIA AMGHAR (Indigenous Services Minister MANDY GULL-MASTY). Lobby watch: Aecon Group posted two May meetings about infrastructure projects with PMO chief of staff MARCO MENDICINO … The Canadian Steel Producers Association reported meetings in May with International Trade Minister MANINDER SIDHU, Canadian ambo in D.C. KIRSTEN HILLMAN, Finance senior policy adviser MATHEW HALL and a group of senior bureaucrats at Public Services and Procurement Canada. Media mentions: CTV's 'Question Period' won the Canadian Screen Award for best political news program or series. Also among this year's winners: 'CTV National News with OMAR SACHEDINA' for best national newscast; CBC's ADRIENNE ARSENAULT for best national news anchor; Global National's JEFF SEMPLE for best national reporter; CBC Indigenous' JACKIE MCKAY for best local reporter; CTV's AVERY HAINES for best host or interviewer (news or information). — The Winnipeg Free Press' JEFF HAMILTON and KATRINA CLARKE received this year's Don McGillivray Award at the Canadian Association of Journalists' annual gala. Check out the rest of the winners. — CNN fact-checker DANIEL DALE is moving home to Canada, where he will remain with the network. Got a document to share? A birthday coming up? Send it all our way. TRIVIA Friday's answer: Hanlan's Point Beach in Toronto was recently commemorated on a stamp because it once hosted the 1971 Gay Day Picnic. Canada Post notes the event was 'considered the first major gathering of queer people in Canada and an early example of what we now know as Pride.' Props to ROB OLIPHANT, MARCEL MARCOTTE, JOHN PEPPER, ELIZABETH BURN, CHRIS RANDS, BOB GORDON, RAY DEL BIANCO, JUSTIN MARGOLIS, DARRYL DAMUDE, CID CABILLAN, ATUL SHARMA, MALCOLM MCKAY, ROBERT MCDOUGALL and JENN KEAY. Today's question: When did the Bank of Canada most recently leave its target rate unchanged at two consecutive announcements? Send your answer to canadaplaybook@ Canada Playbook would not happen without: Canada Editor Sue Allan, editor Willa Plank and POLITICO's Grace Maalouf.
Politico
4 days ago
- Business
- Politico
Under fire
Presented by COVE Ocean Send tips | Subscribe here | Email Canada Playbook | Follow Politico Canada Thanks for reading Canada Playbook. T-minus 15 days. In today's edition: → SUSAN HOLT on the PM, the premiers and getting things done. → The tariff bombshell — and what comes next. → Plus, MÉLANIE JOLY on Canada's changing trade relationships. LISTEN UP, OTTAWA ANOTHER PRAIRIE TUNE — As wildfires force thousands from their homes in northern Saskatchewan, the prime minister and premiers are in final prep mode for Monday's high-stakes fed-prov confab in Saskatoon. Prime Minister MARK CARNEY had already ratcheted up the stakes for a First Ministers Meeting meant to tap into the get-things-done vibe — more on that below — emanating from Ottawa. Carney is under pressure to deliver on a crisis-level action plan. The provincewide state of emergency that awaits the visiting politicians offers a searing reminder that Canada is in for another summer on fire. → Don't look up: Sixteen days until G7 leaders gather in Kananaskis, the mountain resort village no stranger to smoky skies. (We're bookmarking UBC's smoke forecast map.) — Common ground: The clock is ticking to Canada Day, which Carney has repeatedly set as the deadline to knock down interprovincial trade barriers. Playbook is checking in with premiers who've booked their flights to the prairies. First up, New Brunswick's SUSAN HOLT. MARITIMER IN RED — Canada's third-newest premier heads to Saskatoon feeling bullish about freer trade across the land — but with managed expectations. 'The trickiest ones are the resource-based barriers,' she told us recently, citing forestry and fisheries as a pair of the 'most sticky' examples of provincial protectionism. Holt recently inked a deal with Newfoundland and Labrador's ANDREW FUREY meant to pave the way for fewer barriers. But not zero. Provinces have an enduring interest in shielding their own sectors and workers from external competition — say, job-creating fisheries foundational to the place's identity. 'Newfoundland stated clearly, and we respect that, that they have minimum processing requirements for seafood — you catch it in Newfoundland, you process it in Newfoundland,' Holt said. 'We're making the progress we can, as quickly as we can, recognizing that a lot of people in Canada have strong attachments to the resources of their community, whether those be trees or fish or minerals or otherwise.' — Not a gambler: Forget Canada Day. Does the premier think a barrier-free country is possible by the end of the year? 'Whether trees and fish get tackled this year or not, I'd hate to bet on that,' she said. 'Those are pretty fundamental in certain places in this country, but we're making huge strides.' — 'Get shit done': Playbook asked Holt to compare former PM JUSTIN TRUDEAU's fed-prov meeting management with Carney's. She didn't take the bait — but did share her observations of the businesslike new PM's approach to premiers. Their meetings are heavily structured — 'sometimes we go west to east, and sometimes we go east to west' — but the premier did say this about Carney's style: 'He is a succinct communicator. He's a warm communicator. He comes across with a real humble energy that I think the premiers respond well to, because there's a sense of equality around the table that's being fostered,' Holt said. 'But he also has very steely resolve in his desire to get shit done. And that's clear in how he communicates, and how he tries to apply focus to the conversation.' WHO'S UP, WHO'S DOWN Up: Nation-building projects and fast-track approvals. Down: The monarchy in Quebec, where the National Assembly voted 106-0 this week to cut all ties between the Crown and the province. Trade war LEGAL WHIPLASH — Three court rulings in 24 hours. And everything is clear as mud for President DONALD TRUMP's largest trading partners, Canada included. — What just happened: As our Washington colleagues explain, legal developments have Trump on the back foot. — Wait, watch, focus: As Trump wages war on the 'activist judges' he sees obstructing global deal making, Prime Minister MARK CARNEY appears laser-focused on one trade goal: Getting rid of all U.S. tariffs on Canada. Carney and others say there's work to be done to eliminate tariffs not covered by the rulings. Those include Section 232 tariffs on steel, aluminum and autos under the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 that gives the president the authority to impose tariffs to protect U.S. national security. — On guard for thee: 'We recognize that our trading relationship with the United States is still profoundly and adversely threatened and affected by similarly unjustified 232 tariffs against steel, aluminum and the auto sector,' Carney said Thursday in the House of Commons. — Not to mention: He added to his list 'continuing threats of tariffs against other strategic sectors, including lumber, semiconductors and pharmaceuticals.' — For the record: 'Our position has been that all of these tariffs need to be removed,' DOMINIC LEBLANC, Carney's Canada-U.S. trade minister, said on the latest 'WONK' pod. 'We're not looking to replace this tariff with a lower rate.' — In related reading: ANKUSH KHARDORI, a senior writer for POLITICO Magazine and a former federal prosecutor at the U.S. Department of Justice, explains why the path forward for Trump's tariffs will not get easier after defeat at the U.S. Court of International Trade. — Noted in the Brussels Playbook: European Commission President URSULA VON DER LEYEN outlined her vision for a 'new form of Pax Europaea for the 21st century' in a speech in Germany on Thursday. 'One that is shaped and managed by Europe itself.' Von der Leyen identified four central tasks to bring about independence, POLITICO's NETTE NÖSTLINGER reports: Securing peace by increasing defense spending; strengthening innovation and competitiveness to stimulate growth; expanding the bloc in what she referred to as 'a historic reunification;' and renewing and strengthening democracy to protect member countries from internal and external threats. PLAYBOOK'S ONE-ON-ONE SHOW ME THE MONEY — MÉLANIE JOLY wants to make a deal. 'We are overdependent on the U.S.,' Joly told Playbook. 'We need to change that dynamic.' Canada's new industry minister says she's courting cash from foreign businesses, chasing investors in defense, energy, AI and tech to reignite Canada's manufacturing sector, which has shed 31,000 jobs since DONALD TRUMP slapped tariffs on Canada. That includes teaming up with Europe to build military goods and equipment here at home. — Dawn of a new age: 'What we're witnessing right now is the creation of [new] economic blocs and the trade rules are being rewritten,' Joly said. 'There is that geoeconomic competition of attracting investments, and you saw that with President Trump in the Gulf states. We need to do that,' she said. 'It's a new type of diplomacy. It's diplomacy between Canada, but also business leaders around the world.' — Sounding similar: Joly's plans echo Trump's America First Investment Policy, part of his goal to usher in 'America's Golden Age' by focusing on foreign deals to help grow the American economy. On Sunday, Trump laid out what kind of manufacturing jobs he has promised to bring back to the U.S. And it's not sneakers and T-shirts. 'We want to make military equipment. We want to make big things. We want to make, do the AI thing,' he said. 'We are looking to do chips and computers and lots of other things, and tanks and ships.' — Behind the scenes: While we had Joly's ear, we asked what was going on in those Instagram photos she posted showing her smiling with Trump and then later walking out of the Oval Office with a hat that had been sitting on the president's desk. 'This will be my secret for life,' she said with a laugh. Where the leaders are — Prime Minister MARK CARNEY will deliver remarks at 11 a.m. at the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Annual Conference and Trade Show at the Rogers Centre. THE ROOMS THAT MATTER — The Young Politicians of Canada host a national summit at the Sir John A. Macdonald Building. MORNING MUST-CLICKS — CBC News reports that Saskatchewan has declared a state of emergency, as wildfires rage across the northern part of the province. — The Globe reports that Foreign Affairs Minister ANITA ANAND wants to rebuild ties with India, 'one step at a time.' — The Bloc Québécois has, once again, introduced a private member's bill aimed at ensuring 'full protection for supply management' in trade agreements, ANTOINE TRÉPANIER of the National Post reports. — Economist TREVOR TOMBE notes at The Hub that Canada might be entering a new era for internal trade. — Maclean's profiles McGill professor JUAN SERPA, who created an online forum helping U.S. researchers protect their data from Trump. — Befuddled drivers in Buffalo commonly end up in Canada following a bridge renovation, typically costing them a toll. The NYT tells the story of a man named Victor, who spent three weeks in ICE custody as a result. PLAYBOOKERS Birthdays: HBD to former Alberta Premier JASON KENNEY and longtime Liberal staffer HALLIE STACEY-SULLIVAN. Celebrating Saturday: Angus Reid President SHACHI KURL, The Trillium's CHARLIE PINKERTON, CBC's ROSEMARY BARTON, CAMERON HOLMSTROM of Niipaawi Strategies, Liberal MP GREG FERGUS, businessperson LEONARD ASPER, former NDP MP PIERRE-LUC DUSSEAULT, former broadcaster VICKI GABEREAU, former B.C. Attorney General SUZANNE ANTON and Terrebonne Mayor MATHIEU TRAVERSY. On Sunday: Justice Minister SEAN FRASER and former Conservative MP LARRY MAGUIRE. Spotted: Photos from this week's 'House-warming' party at the Métropolitain. At Sussex Strategy's FCM reception at Luxe in the ByWard Market: Sen. SANDRA PUPATELLO, Cornwall Mayor JUSTIN TOWNDALE, Liberal MP AHMED HUSSEN. Noted: Conservative Leader PIERRE POILIEVRE has joined the substacking ranks. The first government bill in the Senate was introduced Thursday. Bill S-2 proposes changes to the Indian Act. Movers and shakers: MICHELE CADARIO, a former senior aide to PAUL MARTIN and CHRISTY CLARK, is now executive vice president at Rubicon Strategy … MICHELLE JOHNSTON, a longtime Liberal staffer at Queen's Park and on Parliament Hill, is vice president of communications at Syntax Strategic. Send Playbookers tips to canadaplaybook@ PROZONE For Pro subscribers, check our latest policy newsletter from MIKE BLANCHFIELD. In other Pro headlines: — White House insists court ruling won't derail Trump's tariff agenda. — CO2 storage approval forecast slashed 65%. — California should end its emissions offset program, researchers say. — Berlin drafts bill to tax digital platforms. TRIVIA Thursday's answer: The Queen Elizabeth II monument is currently located in the roundabout next to the entrance to Rideau Hall. Props to GORDON RANDALL, IAN FARIS, MAGGIE BAER, MARK LEBLANC, MARY O'KEEFE, MALCOLM MCKAY, CHRIS LALANDE, CHRISTINA LEADLAY, ROBERT MCDOUGALL, FELIX BERNIER, MORGAN LARHANT, SEAN SUNDERLAND, DAN MCCARTHY, RYAN CAMERON, KATIE FEENAN, LORI BROOKS, SHEILA GERVAIS, PETER CLEARY, SARAH ANSON-CARTWRIGHT, ELIZABETH BURN, JOHN PEPPER, JOHN MATHESON, RAY DEL BIANCO, KEVIN COLBOURNE, SHAUGHN MCARTHUR, MARCEL MARCOTTE, JOHN ECKER and JADEN BRAVES. Friday's question: Why is Hanlan's Point Beach in Toronto celebrated on a new stamp from Canada Post? Send answers to canadaplaybook@ Writing Monday's Playbook: NICK TAYLOR-VAISEY
Politico
5 days ago
- Business
- Politico
First impressions
Presented by COVE Ocean Send tips | Subscribe here | Email Canada Playbook | Follow Politico Canada Thanks for reading Canada Playbook. Let's get into it. → Here's what we know about the ruling against Trump's tariffs. → The newest senior hires amid a Hill staffing scramble. → Team Carney faces its first QP tests. → Canada's new finance minister meditates on the bottom line. Trade war LIBERATION DAY: THE SEQUEL — A federal court has struck down U.S. President DONALD TRUMP's tariffs on dozens of countries, saying his effort to justify them with broad claims of national emergencies exceeded his legal authority. D.C. colleagues DOUG PALMER, KYLE CHENEY and JOSH GERSTEIN report that the unanimous ruling of a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of International Trade strikes a blow to one of the central planks of Trump's economic agenda. — Heart of the decision: Trump justified his tariffs on dozens of countries based on declarations of national emergencies related to fentanyl trafficking and the threat of persistent trade deficits. His Feb. 1 declaration said Canada 'played a central role' in the opioid crisis. He also imposed retaliatory tariffs on countries that responded in kind. The court said the federal law that authorizes the president to impose tariffs, embargoes and sanctions in response to national emergencies — the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977 — 'does not authorize the President to impose unbounded tariffs.' — See you in court: The White House immediately announced it was appealing the decision. White House deputy chief of staff STEPHEN MILLER posted on X that 'the judicial coup is out of control.' The case could end up at the U.S. Supreme Court. Ottawa was crickets last night, but we'll be following all the reaction today. ON THE HILL FIRST IMPRESSIONS — Welcome to the new era of tit-for-tat, two-party tussles. It's Liberal versus Conservative with few exceptions. Wednesday's question period offered lessons on the post-election look and feel of the House. — The gloating hour: Liberals really rubbed in PIERRE POILIEVRE's absence when his successor in Carleton, newbie MP BRUCE FANJOY, delivered a 60-second statement to sustained applause from the government benches. Meanwhile, Poilievre was scrumming with reporters in the foyer outside the chamber. So close, but so far. — Getting their feet wet: MARK CARNEY and TIM HODGSON are both new to the House. One of them looks and sounds like a political rookie. The other one is Carney. Hodgson faced his first test under the bright lights as minister of energy and natural resources. He looked the part as he carefully read notes, struggled to find a rhythm, and faced forceful heckling from Conservatives in search of a straight answer. Carney, for his part, never seemed rattled as he took nine questions from across the aisle. Few highlights. Minimal charisma. Zero faceplants. Between questions, the PM joked with Finance Minister FRANÇOIS-PHILIPPE CHAMPAGNE and conferred with Government House Leader STEVEN MACKINNON. — Testing, testing: The opposition served up the broad outline of QP priorities. They poked and prodded Champagne, Industry Minister MÉLANIE JOLY, Housing Minister GREGOR ROBERTSON, Secstate for combating crime RUBY SAHOTA, Public Safety Minister GARY ANANDASANGAREE and Environment Minister JULIE DABRUSIN. — Their day will come: Some of the government's highest-profile Cabmins never left their seats — a trend that surely won't last. The opposition spared Canada-U.S. Trade Minister DOMINIC LEBLANC, Foreign Minister ANITA ANAND, Transport Minister CHRYSTIA FREELAND, Defense Minister DAVID MCGUINTY and Justice Minister SEAN FRASER. Nobody had a question for Artificial Intelligence Minister EVAN SOLOMON, the talkative former broadcaster who is yet to utter a word in Parliament. Can't be long now. FIRST IN CANADA PLAYBOOK NEW CHIEFS — A second tranche of ministerial chiefs of staff circulated among Liberal ranks late Wednesday — seven names on top of the dozen announced late last week. Here's who has landed where: — PAUL MOEN: Industry Minister MÉLANIE JOLY — FRANÇOIS GIROUX: Public Safety Minister GARY ANANDASANGAREE — DILYS FERNANDES: Veterans Affairs Minister JILL MCKNIGHT — ADAM CARROLL: Immigration Minister LENA DIAB — KENDRA WILCOX: Women and Gender Equality Minister RECHIE VALDEZ — NOÉMIE FISET-TREMBLAY: Labour Secstate JOHN ZERUCELLI — MARIA MORLEY: Rural Development Secstate BUCKLEY BELANGER Where the leaders are — Prime Minister MARK CARNEY will meet Toronto Mayor OLIVIA CHOW at 1 p.m. to discuss, per Chow's itinerary, 'working together to build more homes, get Toronto moving and fight rising costs.' — Green Party Leader ELIZABETH MAY will speak to reporters about the throne speech at 1:45 p.m. THE ROOMS THAT MATTER — The annual CANSEC defense and security trade show enters its second and final day today at the EY Centre near Ottawa's airport. Industry Minister MÉLANIE JOLY downgraded a press availability to a walkabout of the show floor. Attendees will hear from former NATO Secretary General LORD GEORGE ROBERTSON at a breakfast keynote, followed by former Lithuanian foreign minister GABRIELIUS LANDSBERGIS at lunch. — The Federation of Canadian Municipalities Annual Conference and Trade Show is underway at the Rogers Centre. — Also on Chow's itinerary: an 8:15 a.m. meeting with the FCM Big City Mayors' Caucus. The mayor will also appear on CBC's 'Power & Politics' before heading to a 6 p.m. reception for big city mayors. PLAYBOOK'S ONE-ON-ONE FISCAL MEDITATIONS — From his 18th-floor office on Elgin Street, FRANÇOIS-PHILIPPE CHAMPAGNE has a clear view of the stark brutalist towers housing Canada's Department of National Defence. Canada's new finance minister says he's ready to make the DND's occupants very happy with a funding boost aimed at hauling Canada out of the NATO dungeon. — Just one catch: He offered no firm timeline. 'The outcome we want to achieve is to protect Canada, protect Canadian sovereignty. The world has changed significantly,' he told Playbook in a Tuesday interview. 'The discussion now is how we're going to get to 2 percent.' — Yes, we've heard this pledge before. Champagne says it's different because of next month's NATO summit. — One more catch: Secretary General MARK RUTTE is suggesting the spending target might be raised to 5 percent. It's late afternoon when Champagne greets Playbook, just after meeting KING CHARLES III. A half-eaten sandwich wrap — his lunch — sits on the table next to the sofa. In a wide-ranging interview that you can read here, he talked us through the mixed signals around the timing of the budget. Champagne advised journalists to expect only a Fall Economic Statement. Prime Minister MARK CARNEY soon contradicted that, committing to a full budget after the summer break. 'Listen, we came to the conclusion it would be in the best interest of Canada … to bring a serious budget in early fall, once we have more clarity around defense, around the trade war that is happening now in the world, and certainly when we have also initial feedback from our initiatives on government efficiency,' Champagne said. 'For me, this is about responsible government.' — Mind over ministry: Champagne, who likes to be known as the minister of go-go-go, does spend some time not working. 'When I have a bit of time, I try to do exercise,' he said. 'More and more I've been doing meditation and what they call mindfulness.' → Like the boss: Carney also touts meditation — especially when he's busy. 'Trust me, it creates time,' he writes in his book. Champagne says he does not have a lot of private time. 'So I try to be in the moment when I have a bit of time for myself. Once your body and your mind is in the best shape, this is how you can give the best to the work you have to accomplish.' Want more POLITICO? Download our mobile app to save stories, get notifications on U.S.-Canada relations, and more. In iOS or Android . MORNING MUST-CLICKS — ELON MUSK is saying goodbye to DOGE. POLITICO's IRIE SENTNER reports that Trump's billionaire adviser confirmed his time as a 'special government employee' was concluding soon. — From JOHN PAUL TASKER at CBC News: Mexico's president noncommittal about coming to Canada for G7 summit. — The Globe's BOB FIFE and LAURA STONE report that the PM plans to brief premiers on a plan to fast-track major nation-building projects, 'such as ports, critical mineral mines and trade corridors.' — Documents obtained by POLITICO's MIZY CLIFTON show the U.K. government thinks AI can do two-thirds of the most junior civil servants' work. — The Logic's DAVID REEVELY and MURAD HEMMADI report that government workers are using free online tools to translate documents between English and French, bypassing the official translation service — and yielding sometimes embarrassing results. — ANDREW BEVAN, who served as Liberal national campaign director, told CTV Power Play that he does not think the Conservatives had a strategy problem. 'I do think they had a leader problem.' PROZONE For Pro subscribers, here's our latest policy newsletter. In other news for Pro readers: — A big, beautiful EU trade deal with Trump? Dream on! — 'Death knell' for 'green' hydrogen? — White House adviser on Apple tariffs: 'We'll see what happens.' — Historic ruling holds German utility liable for climate damage. — EU roughly on track to hit 2030 emissions goal, Brussels says. PLAYBOOKERS Birthdays: HBD to Wire Report editor HANNAH DALEY, CN senior manager of government affairs BROOKE MALINOSKI and journo and author LINDEN MACINTYRE. Spotted: An observer shouting 'Looking good Francis!' in the middle of the House speaker's parade, a daily procession through the halls of West Block before each daily sitting. Deputy Conservative Leader MELISSA LANTSMAN and Saskatchewan MP JEREMY PATZER at Ottawa Ribfest on Sparks Street. Movers and shakers: Conservative MP TOM KMIEC was named deputy House speaker. HEATHER POTTER, the former chief of staff to Ontario Jobs Minister VIC FEDELI, is now vice president of business development at Invest Ontario … JOHN MATHESON is senior fellow for tech policy at The Centre for Media, Technology and Democracy … WIL ROBERTSON is now senior adviser for federal affairs at the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers. Lobby watch: Crestview Strategy's CHRISTINE MCMILLAN has registered on behalf of Tesla Motors Canada … Alar Strategy Group's RICHARD MAKSYMETZ is lobbying for First Peoples Pipeline LNG, which wants to bend Ottawa's ear about a potential project in northern Manitoba. Noted: The Conservative Party has opened registration for its Calgary Stampede BBQ on July 5. A seating chart for the annual Heritage Park bash shows room for 970 guests at C$175 bucks a pop. Got a document to share? A birthday coming up? Send it all our way. TRIVIA Wednesday's answer: 'The only certainty about him is that he was young,' then-Governor General ADRIENNE CLARKSON said in a eulogy delivered on May 28, 2000 at a ceremony for Canada's Unknown Soldier, who was laid to rest. Props to LAURA PAYTON, MARCEL MARCOTTE, CHRIS RANDS, RAY DEL BIANCO, RANDY ALLAN, CHARLES DILLON, SHAUGHN MCARTHUR, BOOTS VAISEY, DARRYL DAMUDE, LAURA JARVIS, ANDREW SZENDE, JOANNA PLATER, JENN KEAY, JEFFREY VALOIS, JOHN PEPPER, ROBERT MCDOUGALL, BEN BROWN CLEMENTS, MALCOLM MCKAY, and ELIZABETH BURN. Today's question: The Queen Elizabeth II monument was the only Parliament Hill statue not erected posthumously, but it was removed for the duration of Centre Block's massive renovation. Where is it located these days? Send your answer to canadaplaybook@
Politico
6 days ago
- Business
- Politico
Still not over it
Presented by COVE Ocean Send tips | Subscribe here | Email Canada Playbook | Follow Politico Canada Thanks for reading Canada Playbook. Back to work. In today's edition: → New Democrats need a lifeline; Liberals need some phone-a-friends. → Advice for House rookies — yes, all of 'em. → Plus, a guide to the benches: Who is sitting where — and why. Trade war LOOK WHO'S TALKING — PETE HOEKSTRA just learned the hard way that although he's the U.S. envoy to Canada, there's no reliable way of speaking for DONALD TRUMP. — Tale of the tape: Over the weekend on CBC's 'The House,' Hoekstra advised Canadians to get over the '51st state' thing. 'If the Canadians want to keep talking about it, that's their business,' he told host CATHERINE CULLEN. 'I'm not talking about it. Donald Trump is not talking about it.' — O Canada: After an overnight stay in Ottawa, KING CHARLES III made headlines Tuesday at the close of the government's throne speech. 'The true north is indeed strong and free,' he said. There was no mention of Trump or annexation threats. — As if on cue: Trump was back at it Tuesday evening — wheeling a deal for his 'fabulous Golden Dome System.' The offer as presented to Canada on Truth Social: '$61 Billion Dollars if they remain a separate, but unequal, Nation, but will cost ZERO DOLLARS if they become our cherished 51st State.' — Making friends: Hoekstra is in The Hill Times this morning where he advises NEIL MOSS that he's not going to dwell on how Trump's words land in Canada. 'International diplomacy is tough. The world is a tough place. Getting prosperity, security, and safety for people— which are the top priorities of the president — that's hard,' he said during a May 22 interview. 'So, no, I'm not very sympathetic.' — Meanwhile, in diplomacy: The Globe is reporting via 'sources familiar' that Prime Minister MARK CARNEY has invited Mexican President CLAUDIA SHEINBAUM to attend the G7 Leaders' Summit in Alberta next month. We asked the PMO, but they said they couldn't say. → In related news: Carney says there needs to be more movement on tariffs before USMCA talks start, DARREN MAJOR of CBC News reports. And from MURRAY BREWSTER: PM says Canada is looking to join major European military buildup by July 1. Want more POLITICO? Download our mobile app to save stories, get notifications on U.S.-Canada relations, and more. In iOS or Android . DRIVING THE DAY AFTER THE ORANGE CRUSH: 7 UP — The New Democrats have been reduced to seven seats, and are no longer a recognized party in the House — but that hasn't killed their bargaining spirit. Liberals need votes to push through their agenda. The NDP still has more than enough. NDP MPs have a saying: Negotiations are in our DNA. That's their mentality as they dangle their support in exchange for concessions: a seat on committees, debate time in the House of Commons and more resources — aka money — to hire staff. New Democrats are negotiating with the governing Liberals and other parties. Interim NDP Leader DON DAVIES told reporters Monday the talks were 'fruitful.' Essentially there are two pathways for the NDP to get what they want. — Option 1: Convince the government to reform the Parliament of Canada Act. By law, a party must have 12 MPs to be a recognized party with access to the things they are now trying to wrangle. The law in theory could be amended to set the threshold at seven. → But, but, but: Government House Leader STEVEN MACKINNON threw cold water on that idea. 'The law says 12 members,' he said, adding there's no broad consensus to reduce the threshold. — Option 2: The House of Commons has limited jurisdiction over how parties are recognized. But the NDP will have to convince the Board of Internal Economy, which governs the chamber, to grant them resources. That committee is expected to be struck later this week. The NDP no longer has a seat at that table. This is the option the NDP is now pursuing. — Liberal lifeline: The government appears willing to help the NDP get at least some of what they want. MacKinnon told CTV's VASSY KAPELOS he's having 'constructive' conversations with Davies. 'I'm very open to entertaining some of his more practical requests,' he said Monday. 'We very much want to honor the history and the traditions and the role of the New Democratic Party.' — Getting messy: Bloc Québécois Leader YVES-FRANÇOIS BLANCHET doesn't want the NDP back on committees. 'It's our balance of power and we will protect it quite seriously,' Blanchet said. He did not hide his self-interest. 'There might be conversations about the resources that might be devoted to them. It's not done with so much enthusiasm, but I believe we have to say, 'OK what … do you want, and what's in it for the rest of us?'' — Keeping cards close: Conservatives, who have in recent years thwarted committee work and sided with the Bloc, haven't said where they stand. Playbook asked Conservative Leader PIERRE POILIEVRE and Deputy Conservative Leader MELISSA LANTSMAN if New Democrats should have spots on committees. But they didn't answer the question. — TBD: Nobody wants an election, and New Democrats enjoy far less leverage than even a few months ago. But Liberals are under pressure to deliver on key priorities — and a dance partner at every step could be their ace in the hole. ON THE HILL TODAY'S AGENDA — The House will spend the next several days debating the government's throne speech. But Parliament also has a few hundred billion dollars in spending to approve — and a first set of Liberal priorities to hash out. → Countdown to BBQ season: 18 sitting days left. — Priority No. 1: Finance Minister FRANÇOIS-PHILIPPE CHAMPAGNE gave the House notice of a ways and means motion to implement the government's first signature proposals: an income tax cut 'for nearly 22 million Canadians,' the elimination or reduction of the GST on new home purchases and the elimination of the consumer carbon price. MPs will debate the motion next week at the earliest, following the throne speech debate. — Spending approval: Treasury Board President SHAFQAT ALI unveiled his government's main spending estimates on Tuesday — a C$486.9 billion package that requests C$33.9 billion for national defense, C$25.2 billion for Indigenous services and C$13.1 billion for employment and social development. The government will schedule four 'business of supply' days before the summer break. On those days, an opposition party gets a chance to make headlines with a motion meant to apply pressure on the government. Eventually, MPs will vote on the spending estimates — the literal 'supply' of money the government spends. Where the leaders are — Prime Minister MARK CARNEY has not released his public itinerary. — Green Party Leader ELIZABETH MAY will be in the House. Crickets on itineraries from everyone else, though CP notes in its preview of the day: 'PIERRE POILIEVRE will be absent from the House of Commons for the first time in two decades.' THE ROOMS THAT MATTER — The annual CANSEC defense and security trade show is underway at the EY Centre near Ottawa's airport. Defense Minister DAVID MCGUINTY will deliver a breakfast keynote at 8:25 a.m. Former U.S. Secretary of State MIKE POMPEO is on tap for a lunchtime keynote. (Reporters are invited to attend — but not report on the speech. Pompeo is planning to speak to reporters afterward.) — Toronto Mayor OLIVIA CHOW is in Ottawa, where she'll attend question period and later meet with Housing Minister GREGOR ROBERTSON. — Speaker of the Senate RAYMONDE GAGNÉ will preside over the swearing-in of DAWN ARNOLD and FARAH MOHAMED. Caught our ear MARK YOUR CALENDARS — The Conversation with DASHA BURNS arrives on Sunday, June 1 — and we're dropping a first look. Each week on her new podcast, Dasha will sit down with one of the most compelling — and sometimes unexpected — power players in Washington. This isn't just a podcast. It's a new kind of political interview show for a moment when politics feels more personal, more chaotic and more consequential than ever. Catch the video and audio trailer out this morning to see what Dasha's digging into this season. And subscribe to the podcast, wherever you listen or watch. Talk of the town WELCOME TO THE HOUSE — MIKE MORRICE used to scurry around the House of Commons before each day's question period. The former Green MP made the most of that fleeting moment when ministers were in their seats, no staff to gatekeep access. No better time to champion a concern on behalf of a constituent. Lawmakers gather today for their first QP — a test of the post-election energy they'll collectively bring to the place. Playbook canvassed a handful for their best advice for newbies getting their feet wet. — Meet the staff: Former Speaker GREG FERGUS advises rookies to introduce themselves to any of the 2,500 House employees who keep the building running. 'Take the time to get to know the names of the Parliamentary Protective Service agents, the folks who work in the cafeteria, the analysts and researchers at committees, etc.,' Fergus told Playbook. 'A kind word or a thoughtful conversation with these folks takes but a moment for the MP, yet makes a big difference for the employee.' → Practical tip: 'If you wear pants with pockets, place both hands on the arms of your chair before sitting down,' Fergus advises. 'It will be impossible to rip your pants!' — Don't waste time or energy on haters: In 2021, former NDP MP MEGAN LESLIE served up some Playbook advice on screen time: 'My best piece of advice is to turn your notifications off on your phone so you can choose when to engage the haters (or not) and focus on the people in front of you.' — Conservative MP DAVE EPP: 'Take it all in. It won't be until later one realizes how special this is,' the three-term MP texted us as he witnessed the throne speech 'about eight rows back from the bar in the Senate.' — Conservative MP SCOTT AITCHISON: 'Prepare, prepare some more, then get home to the people who sent you here,' said the party's leading voice on the housing file. For your radar PLEASE TAKE YOUR SEATS — Some rookie lawmakers are still reckoning with the enormity of their victories, getting used to their view of the House chamber, not yet comfortable in the place. Some are surrounded by familiar faces. Others are strangers. Here's what we took away from our scan of the first seating plan of the session — the first, we should clarify, of many iterations as the ranks shift and MPs are promoted and demoted. — The first backbench: Twenty former Cabinet ministers sit directly beside and behind Carney's ministry — an echo of the JUSTIN TRUDEAU era. — More echoes: Health Minister MARJORIE MICHEL sits directly in front of Labor Secstate JOHN ZERUCELLI. Michel was Trudeau's deputy chief of staff. Zerucelli was the former PM's director of operations for nearly three years. — Alberta watching: Energy Minister TIM HODGSON sits beside Environment Minister JULIE DABRUSIN on the front bench. The resource sector broadly applauded Hodgson's appointment and was broadly skeptical of Dabrusin's elevation. — Backing up the PM: When the cameras are rolling on Carney, several members of his ministry are prominent behind him: ANITA ANAND, REBECCA ALTY, MANDY GULL-MASTY, RANDEEP SARAI and STEPHANIE MCLEAN. Yes, that placement is deliberate — often a gesture for increased camera time with Carney. — Two sword-lengths away: Oppo Leader ANDREW SCHEER is back in the same seat where he once served as party leader. Among those visible when he's on camera: deputy leaders MELISSA LANTSMAN and TIM UPPAL; Finance go-to JASRAJ SINGH HALLAN; Canada-U.S. trade critic SHELBY KRAMP-NEUMAN; former B.C. Cabmin ELLIS ROSS; and BILLY MORIN, former chief of Enoch Cree Nation. — NDP split: Five New Democrats are clustered in the chamber's far corner: DON DAVIES, HEATHER MCPHERSON, LEAH GAZAN, ALEXANDRE BOULERICE and LORI IDLOUT. The remaining pair — GORD JOHNS and JENNY KWAN — are marooned across the aisle. MORNING MUST-CLICKS — 'KING CHARLES III delivered a clear message Tuesday to anyone who doubts Canada's sovereignty,' MICKEY DJURIC reports. — The Hub's SEAN SPEER says the PM still has time to transition from campaign rhetoric to a governing agenda. 'But that transition must start to come soon.' — 'This summer, the traditional barbeque circuit could look quite different. Instead of trolling for votes, the Liberals could be trolling for recruits,' TASHA KHEIRIDDIN writes in the National Post. — Sen. PAULA SIMONS took The Narwhal's 'moose questionnaire' and the results were delightful. — On the 'Curse of Politics' pod, DAVID HERLE makes the case that next week's First Ministers' Meeting 'is of vastly more consequence than this throne speech.' — JEN ROSE SMITH of CNN inquires: Are American travelers still welcome in Canada? PROZONE Our latest Pro PM Canada subscriber newsletter by MIKE BLANCHFIELD: King's speech, Carney's policy. Other headlines for Pro subscribers: — Clean energy industry enters 'nightmare scenario.' — White House adviser on Apple tariffs: 'We'll see what happens.' — U.S. lawmakers form Heat Caucus: 'We've had too many deaths.' — Trump forces showdown over nuclear regulation. — UK seeking to negotiate down Trump's 10 percent tariffs. PLAYBOOKERS Birthdays: HBD to former Toronto Mayor JOHN TORY. Noted: Former Prime Minister JEAN CHRÉTIEN is recovering after having a heart stent inserted, CBC News reports. Spotted: At the Earnscliffe-POLITICO 'House-warming' party hosted by the Métropolitain: SUSAN HOLT, RANJ PILLAI, ROB LANTZ, ROMAN BABER, AARON GUNN, STEPHEN FUHR, SOPHIE CHATEL, PAULA SIMONS, KODY BLOIS, GERALD BUTTS, COLIN DEACON, CLÉMENT GIGNAC, LISA HEPFNER and plenty more parliamentarians, lobbyists, journalists and public servants. HEATHER MCPHERSON (in an Edmonton Oilers jersey). Former Prime Minister JUSTIN TRUDEAU, wearing sneakers during the throne speech — Adidas Gazelle in collegiate green, to be exact. (The Daily Mail has an exhaustive report.) … Transport Minister CHRYSTIA FREELAND, sporting a purple outfit in the House of Commons that looked familiar. Rogers Communications chief corporate affairs officer NAVDEEP BAINS, schmoozing with MPs during the throne speech — and again later in West Block. Movers and shakers: RANDALL ZALAZAR made the jump from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce to Amazon, where he started this week as manager of public policy. TRIVIA Tuesday's answer: Ottawa's Union Station, which eventually became the Government Conference Centre and now houses the Senate, ceased to operate as a railway station in 1966. Props to SCOTT MCCORD, LAURA GARFINKEL, DARRYL DAMUDE, JONATHAN MOSER, MALCOLM MCKAY, LAURA JARVIS, SEAN SUNDERLAND, JENN KEAY, ROBERT MCDOUGALL, JENI ARMSTRONG, SHAUGHN MCARTHUR, MICHAEL HORNAK, PHILLIP BLANCHER, JOHN PEPPER, RAY DEL BIANCO, YAROSLAV BARAN, ELIZABETH BURN, MARCEL MARCOTE, MELISSA COTTON and ANDREW SZENDE. Wednesday's question: 'The only certainty about him is that he was young,' then-Governor General ADRIENNE CLARKSON said in a eulogy delivered on this date in history. On what occasion was she speaking? Answers to canadaplaybook@
Politico
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Politico
Royal arsenal
Presented by COVE Ocean Send tips | Subscribe here | Email Canada Playbook | Follow Politico Canada Happy Monday. Thanks for reading Canada Playbook. Let's get into it. → The PM's Trump cards? A king and queen. → First up in a high-stakes session? Electing a speaker. → Plus, DAVID PRATT shares a footnote on the Golden Dome. Trade war THE KING'S SPEECH — As King Charles arrives in Ottawa today for Tuesday's opening of Parliament, the 76-year-old British monarch — who remains Canada's head of state — will be summoning all the soft power he can muster. It is the first time a British monarch has delivered a speech from the throne since 1977 — a highly public love-bomb at a time when U.S. President DONALD TRUMP has ramped up the hostile rhetoric, lobbed tariffs Canada's way, and even flirted with annexation, POLITICO's ANNABELLE DICKSON and team report. 'This historic honor matches the weight of our times,' PM Carney said, when he announced his VIP guest. Insert eyeball emoji: The links between the royals and Canada's PM are strong, Dickson writes: 'Carney's brother SEAN is the chief operating officer at Kensington Palace — the working residence of PRINCE WILLIAM. For Charles, the trip is personal. His mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, was deeply passionate about her Commonwealth role. → It's not a risk-free strategy: Back in the U.K., it could cut across the U.K. government's focus on charming, rather than fighting, the U.S. president. Plus, royal skeptics in Canada warn it could reignite republican debate. — Call me maybe: U.S. Ambassador PETE HOEKSTRA told CBC's 'The House' that while he's 'excited for Canada' about the king's visit, there are easier ways to get a message to Washington. 'Just give me a call,' he said. 'Carney can call the president at any time. Send the message.' Oh, and Canada should get over the '51st state' thing, he told host CATHERINE CULLEN. 'If the Canadians want to keep talking about it, that's their business. I'm not talking about it. Donald Trump is not talking about it.' — News you can use: For our Ottawa readers, the Citizen has a roundup of street closures over the next two days while King Charles and Queen Camilla are in town. — In case you need it: The royal itinerary is here. — In related reading: The Globe's MARIE WOOLF reports that Bloc Québécois MPs are reviving a bid to end the centuries-old requirement to pledge loyalty to the monarch before they take their seats in Parliament. The Star's ROBERT BENZIE reports on a turn in the polls for the monarchy in Canada. 'A Trump bump has turned the Crown frowns upside down,' he writes. Talk of the town SEE YOU TOMORROW — One sleep left until the 'House-warming' party hosted by the Métropolitain, Earnscliffe Strategies and your friends at POLITICO. Shortly after KING CHARLES III's throne speech in the Senate, the fishbowl gathers to renew acquaintances after a frenzied five months. We anticipate schmoozing with purpose, given the Hill-wide job board is bursting. — Update your calendar: The fun starts when the pomp down the street winds down. The Met is welcoming guests as early as 5 p.m. NEXT UP: TRIVIA NIGHT — Our next Playbook Trivia Night is booked for Monday, June 2 at the Met. Time: Doors open at 7 p.m. First round starts at 7:30. — Registration is open now. Space is limited. RSVP via this Google Form THREE THINGS WE'RE WATCHING DIVISION BELLS — When the House returns at 8 a.m. today, the first order of business will be the election of the House of Commons speaker. Dean of the House Bloc Québécois MP LOUIS PLAMONDON, first elected Sept. 4, 1984, will preside over the vote since he has the longest unbroken record of service. — In the speaker race: Liberal MPs GREG FERGUS, SEAN CASEY, ALEXANDRA MENDÈS, ROB OLIPHANT, FRANCIS SCARPALEGGIA and SHERRY ROMANADO, plus Conservative MPs JOHN NATER and CHRIS D'ENTREMONT. — On Sunday: Prime Minister MARK CARNEY and Conservative Leader PIERRE POILEVRE rallied their respective caucuses with campaign-like speeches. 'We're going to have to do things previously thought impossible, at speeds not seen in generations,' Carney told his caucus before they closed doors to meet in private. 'It's my solemn commitment to work with all of you — to seize this moment for Canadians, to build big, to build bold, to build together, to build now.' — Liberal priorities: Carney said the first order of business for his government would be to introduce legislation to implement a middle-class tax cut and eliminate the GST for first-time homebuyers. He also vowed major defense spending increases to meet NATO's 2 percent target. He made no mention of a budget, which is now expected in the fall. — For your scorecard: JAMES MALONEY was elected Liberal caucus chair. The Canadian Press reports: A majority of the caucus voted down a motion to adopt rules set out under the Reform Act. — The Conservatives' list: 'We've got to get the cost of living down, and we're going to be demanding a spring budget that reveals the true deficit,' Poilievre said Sunday. During the campaign, Carney liked to say 'a slogan is not a plan.' In his remarks, Poilievre redirected the jab back at the PM. 'That is a slogan,' Poilievre pointed out. 'But I'll tell you what a plan is. A budget is … literally a plan.' Poilievre said he and the Conservatives will cooperate with Carney to bring an end to tariffs imposed by the United States. HAIL TO THE CHIEFS — This week we'll learn more about who is who in the offices of Carney's Cabinet ministers. EMILY HAWS of the Globe managed to get her hands on an internal email detailing the first dozen assignments. — Also TBD: We'll soon find out who has been tapped to sit on the Board of Internal Economy, the governing body of the House. We know for sure that Government House Leader STEVEN MACKINNON and Liberal MP RACHEL BENDAYAN will be there. The mighty PROC — the House procedure committee — will also be appointed. READY, SET … OH, OH! — Canada's rookie PM will make his Question Period debut Wednesday at 2:15 p.m. — a weekday spectacle fueled by outrage in pursuit of clickbait. Remember when Speaker GREG FERGUS got heckled while preaching about House decorum? No amount of global economic experience could prepare the PM for the high-decibel free-for-all of QP. On the upside, he won't have to square off against Poilievre until fall. Download our mobile app to save stories, get updates on Canada politics and the U.S.-Canada trade war, and more. In iOS or Android . Where the leaders are Prime Minister MARK CARNEY has an audience with KING CHARLES at Rideau Hall. Conservative Leader PIERRE POILIEVRE won't be in the House of Commons, but ANDREW SCHEER is expected to be there. Bloc Québécois Leader YVES-FRANÇOIS BLANCHET will meet his caucus and hold an afternoon press conference in the foyer of the House of Commons. Interim NDP Leader DON DAVIES has not released his public itinerary. Green Party Leader ELIZABETH MAY will attend Parliament in person. Trade war GOING BALLISTIC — DAVID PRATT only spent six months as Canada's defense minister but he still managed to start something that has major ripples today as President Trump and the PM consider Canada's role in the president's Golden Dome missile shield. — Known unknowns: Pratt told Playbook that he sent a letter to then-U.S. Defense Secretary DONALD RUMSFELD in January 2004 proposing to negotiate Canada's entry into the Pentagon's Ballistic Missile Defense Shield. → Looking good, until: 'There seemed to be, at least to me and with the Prime Minister [PAUL MARTIN], as well, significant support for this within the Cabinet,' Pratt said. But domestic politics intervened when the June 28, 2004, election reduced the Martin government to a minority. The NDP held the balance of power and leader JACK LAYTON shared a message with Martin: Kill BMD or your government falls. In February 2005, Martin just said no to President GEORGE W. BUSH. → Local politics: 'The Martin government wanted to survive, and it needed the NDP support for that,' Pratt recalled. 'There was a fairly significant portion of the Liberal caucus that just had an allergy to George Bush and didn't want to get close for that reason.' — Yesterday is today: Pratt says Golden Dome is 'unrealistic' given that it aims to protect such a huge land mass and has a massive initial price tag of $175 billion. Full disclosure: Pratt is now a defense industry consultant and lobbyist, but he says he has no clients linked to Golden Dome. 'I'm speaking about this issue as a former MND and someone whose position on missile defense has not changed in 20 years,' he says. — Historical footnote: Pratt lost his seat in that 2004 campaign to a Conservative staffer named PIERRE POILIEVRE. — Now what?: DAVID PERRY, the president of the Canadian Global Affairs Institute tells Playbook it was a mistake for Canada to opt out of BMD in 2005. 'We've decided that we don't want to defend ourselves against ballistic missiles,' Perry said. 'So, if somebody aimed one of them at Parliament Hill, we'd ostensibly let it go boom. No one else would want to create that kind of insane dynamic.' MORNING MUST-CLICKS — From POLITICO's DANIEL DESROCHERS and PHELIM KINE: Foreign countries pan trade offers from Trump White House. — MEGHAN POTKINS, BARBARA SHECTER and JOE O'CONNOR of the National Post profile TIM HODGSON, Canada's new energy minister. They note: 'Whether Hodgson can channel his experience on Bay and Wall Streets to defuse those tensions [with Alberta and Saskatchewan] and produce real results that satisfy the oilpatch without abandoning Liberal climate commitments could be a make-or-break question for the new government.' — 'Uncertainty has come down. But look, it's still elevated. There's still work to do,' Bank of Canada Governor TIFF MACKLEM tells MARK RENDELL in a Q&A on inflation, tariff relief and what it's like working alongside his former boss at the Bank. — DAVID THURTON of CBC News reports on the NDP's last-ditch efforts that tried to save JAGMEET SINGH and his riding. — The Canadian Press notes that talks between Canada Post and negotiators from its union are expected to resume over the next few days. PROZONE For Pro subscribers, our latest policy newsletter: Canada and the U.S.: 'Golden Dome' buddies? In other news for Pro readers: — Trump grants extension to European Union on tariff hike. — Trump to appoint oil and gas industry veteran as Alaska adviser. — MAHA targets environmental chemicals. — US carbon tariffs wouldn't cut global emissions, report says. PLAYBOOKERS Birthdays: Bonne fête to Quebec Premier FRANÇOIS LEGAULT, former Foreign Minister JOHN BAIRD and former MPs DENIS LEBEL and ROBERT AUBIN. ANJA KARADEGLIJA of The Canadian Press also celebrates today. Noted: A judicial recount has confirmed Conservative KATHY BORRELLI won the riding of Windsor—Tecumseh—Lake Shore by four votes. A recount in Terra Nova-The Peninsulas found that Conservative JONATHAN ROWE won the riding over Liberal ANTHONY GERMAIN by 12 votes. And the Bloc Québécois has filed a Superior Court challenge to overturn results in Terrebonne after losing by one vote. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce has mandate letters for the Carney Cabinet. Royal Roads University has named its new campus in Langford after the late JOHN HORGAN, honoring the former B.C. premier and ambassador to Germany. Movers and shakers: The Canadian Tax Observatory is on the hunt for a founding CEO. Former Cabinet minister ED FAST has joined the board of the Institute for Research on Public Policy. CHRISTOPHER SANDS has launched a Substack on Canada-U.S. relations. Media mentions: The Michener Awards Foundation announced its plans to award ROBERT FIFE with the Michener-Baxter Award for exceptional service to Canadian public service journalism. Got a document to share? A birthday coming up? Send it all our way. TRIVIA Friday's answer: On May 18, 2016, then-Prime Minister JUSTIN TRUDEAU apologized in the House for the the Komagata Maru tragedy. Props to AMY SCANLON BOUGHNER, MARC LEBLANC, SARAH ANDREWS, YAROSLAV BARAN, DAVID GRANOVSKY, CHARLES DILLON, ROBERT MCDOUGALL, DARREN MAJOR, LAURA JARVIS, RAY DEL BIANCO, JEFFREY VALOIS, DARRYL DAMUDE and MARCEL MARCOTTE. Today's question: Before the Speech from the Throne, what bill will receive first reading in the House? Send your answer to canadaplaybook@ Canada Playbook would not happen without: Canada Editor Sue Allan, editor Willa Plank and POLITICO's Grace Maalouf.
