PM Carney Touts “New Government” and Economic Vision in First Question Period Appearance
Prime Minister Mark Carney made his official debut in the House of Commons’ Question Period on Wednesday, framing his Liberal government as a bold reset for Canada while fending off early critiques from the opposition.
Calling it “Canada’s new government,” Carney emphasized nation-building, interprovincial cooperation, and economic growth in response to questions from Official Opposition Leader Andrew Scheer.
“Canada’s new government is acting immediately to grow this economy—one Canadian economy out of 13—through nation-building projects in cooperation with the provinces,” Carney said in one of his first responses from the floor.
Trade Tensions and Budget Delay Draw Fire
Scheer opened the exchange by welcoming the new prime minister before launching pointed questions about Canada–U.S. trade tensions and the absence of a federal budget.
He accused Carney of “secretly dropping retaliatory tariffs”—referencing targeted remissions—and questioned his decision to delay budget tabling until the fall.
Carney defended the trade strategy as targeted to minimize domestic damage, calling it “tailored for maximum impact on the U.S., minimum impact on Canada.” On the budget, he noted that Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre’s 100-day plan didn’t include one either.
Scheer shot back, criticizing Carney’s answers as evasive: “Well, he didn’t take long to pick up old Liberal habits of not being able to answer questions.”
Breaking with Trudeau’s Tradition
Unlike former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who fielded all opposition questions on Wednesdays, Carney took only the leaders’ round of questions, then passed the floor to his ministers. In total, he responded to nine questions—from Scheer, Pierre Paul-Hus (Conservative), and Yves-François Blanchet (Bloc Québécois).
Among those observing closely was Poilievre himself—currently without a seat in the House—who told reporters he missed being in the chamber.
“I love the House of Commons. I love the excitement and the thrill… I’m going to work hard to earn the opportunity to do it again,” he said from the foyer.
NDP’s Voice Dimmed, But Not Silent
With the NDP stripped of official party status after its caucus dropped below 12 MPs, interim leader Don Davies asked a late-question on unemployment, fielded by Minister of Jobs and Families Patty Hajdu.
“We will work closely with all members to ensure every Canadian has a chance to thrive in this changing economy,” Hajdu responded.
Parliament’s New Chapter Begins
At the close of the session, Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia declared: “That completes our very first Question Period of the 45th Parliament.”
While Carney kept a steady, composed tone, some MPs remarked they were unsure whether his limited QP engagement would become the new norm, or if it was simply a calculated move for his political debut.