Prime Minister Carney to Convene Winter Cabinet Planning Forum on Economy, Affordability, and Security
Winter Cabinet Planning Forum to Set Economic and Affordability Priorities for 2026
Ottawa – Prime Minister Mark Carney will convene Canada’s first Winter Cabinet Planning Forum of his new government this week, bringing ministers together to align priorities around economic resilience, affordability, and national security.
The two-day forum will take place in Québec City from January 22 to 23, marking an early strategic milestone for the Carney government as it moves from mandate-setting to delivery. According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the meeting will focus on strengthening Canada’s economic independence while addressing the rising cost pressures facing households across the country.
Setting Priorities for the Year Ahead
The Planning Forum will centre on progress made to date on the seven priority missions outlined in the Prime Minister’s Mandate Letter, with Cabinet ministers and Secretaries of State expected to identify concrete next steps for implementation in 2026.
A central theme of the discussions will be affordability. The Prime Minister and Cabinet will review measures aimed at reducing everyday costs for Canadians, including housing-related pressures, essential goods, and broader cost-of-living challenges that have intensified amid global economic uncertainty.
Government officials say the forum is designed to ensure Cabinet is aligned on both short-term actions and longer-term structural reforms needed to support sustainable growth.
Responding to a Shifting Global Landscape
Beyond domestic priorities, the Planning Forum will also examine Canada’s position in an increasingly volatile global environment. Cabinet will receive briefings from experts across government, finance, community services, advanced technology, and global affairs to assess emerging risks and opportunities.
These discussions are expected to reflect the government’s broader emphasis on economic diversification, supply chain resilience, and strategic autonomy—areas that have featured prominently in the Prime Minister’s recent international engagements.
By grounding policy planning in expert analysis, the government aims to position Canada to respond more effectively to geopolitical tensions, technological disruption, and shifting global trade dynamics.
Building Strength at Home, Diversifying Abroad
According to the PMO, the Winter Cabinet Planning Forum underscores the government’s commitment to pairing domestic economic strength with expanded international partnerships. Ministers will review efforts to deepen relationships with global partners while ensuring Canada remains less reliant on any single market or region.
The forum’s focus on coordination reflects a broader governing philosophy articulated by the Prime Minister since taking office: that long-term prosperity and security depend on deliberate planning, policy coherence, and sustained collaboration across government.
A Strategic Reset for the New Government
The Québec City meeting represents the first major planning session of the Carney Cabinet and signals a shift from transition to execution. While no policy announcements are expected during the forum itself, outcomes from the discussions are anticipated to shape legislative and budgetary decisions in the months ahead.
As the government looks to balance affordability concerns with economic competitiveness and security priorities, the Winter Cabinet Planning Forum will serve as a key checkpoint in defining how those objectives translate into action for Canadians in 2026.
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