In the news today: Carney caucus meeting, BC election speculation, IKEA affordability

OTTAWA — Prime Minister Mark Carney is scheduled to speak to his Liberal party members in Ottawa today. The Liberals' retreat occurs just prior to the House of Commons' fall session commencing on Monday. Among the party's inaugural measures for the session will be the enactment of legislation to extend the fuel excise tax, a proposal Carney unveiled on September 2.

On Thursday, Carney returned from Strasbourg, France, where he sought to fortify a closer bond with Europe, emphasizing trade, defense, and interpersonal relationships as his primary objectives. This strategy is part of his ongoing effort to diminish Canada's dependence on the United States. On Wednesday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed her desire for Canada to become the first "associate member" of the European Union during a landmark address to the European Parliament on Thursday.

Carney acknowledged von der Leyen's ambition in his historic address, expressing his support for the idea. This report by The Canadian Press was originally published on September 18, 2026.