Carney will represent a 'notable shift' from Trudeau's policies.

Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc has stated that Prime Minister Mark Carney will represent a "significant departure" from Justin Trudeau's administration regarding policies and relations with Alberta and Saskatchewan, despite retaining some contentious environmental measures.

During an interview on CTV's Question Period with host Vassy Kapelos, LeBlanc, who oversees intergovernmental affairs, emphasized that Carney is engaging in "ongoing conversations" with provincial leaders, including Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe, both of whom have voiced concerns over Liberal policies affecting their provinces' economic growth.

LeBlanc highlighted that Carney's commitment to collaborating with provinces on the review and approval process for major projects—favoring a singular project review over duplicative efforts—is a notable shift from the previous government. This transition occurs even as Carney intends to maintain aspects of Trudeau's policies, such as Bill C-69 and the emissions cap affecting the oil and gas sector. "The prime minister is showing a commendable understanding and willingness to support the economies of these resource-heavy provinces," LeBlanc remarked. LeBlanc noted that Carney has adopted a "constructive and positive" stance on the significance of Western Canadian resources for the national economy. Since assuming office in mid-March, Carney has pledged to eliminate interprovincial trade barriers and position Canada as an "energy superpower," even amid a persistent trade dispute with the United States. Despite these commitments, Carney also indicated during his election campaign that he would retain two controversial policies from the Trudeau administration: the emissions cap on the oil and gas sector, characterized by Smith as a deterrent to production, and Bill C-69, often referred to by critics as the "no more pipelines act." While addressing the concerns raised by various premiers about the Liberal government's policies, LeBlanc stated that having respectful and productive dialogues with provincial leaders is what's essential. When pressed by Kapelos about how the emissions cap and Bill C-69 align with that collaborative message, he acknowledged that the precise solutions are still being defined. LeBlanc reaffirmed that Carney recognizes the vital role of conventional energy in Canada's economic health, asserting, "We can support a transition to less carbon-intensive energy while acknowledging the world's ongoing need for conventional oil and gas.
Canada must be a reliable supplier of these resources." Alberta Premier Smith praised Carney for what she called a "successful" meeting with President Donald Trump in Washington, though she continues to advocate for a reset in the provincial-federal relationship. "The outcome depends significantly on whether we have pragmatic Mark Carney as our prime minister," she said, expressing uncertainty about Carney's environmental stance. The Liberal Party secured 169 seats in the election but only three are located in Alberta and Saskatchewan. When asked about how significantly Carney's policies would differ from his predecessor's, given his intention to uphold some divisive measures, LeBlanc asserted that change takes time and noted the election occurred just weeks earlier. "The new government has not yet formed a cabinet, and Parliament will reconvene soon," he explained. "While I understand the public's concerns, work is actively underway, and the prime minister is fully aware of these issues as we move forward with the provinces. However, to claim that we have settled on a final policy direction would be an oversimplification." Carney is expected to reveal his new cabinet on Tuesday, with the Speech from the Throne and the return of Parliament later this month. Additionally, he plans to meet with all the premiers of Canada's provinces and territories in early June. LeBlanc also remarked on this week's high-stakes meeting between Carney and Trump, describing it as "cordial, respectful, and constructive.