Liberals, Conservatives both talk about collaboration but gaps remain

By Canadian Press on September 15, 2025.

OTTAWA — Government House leader Stephen MacKinnon says that while the government needs opposition votes to pursue its agenda, he’s under “no illusions” about the prospects for co-operation with Pierre Poilievre’s Conservatives.

MacKinnon briefly outlined the Liberal government’s agenda this morning after parliamentarians returned from their summer break.

He acknowledged the minority government will need opposition support to pass legislation, such as the controversial border security bill, and said it will listen to “constructive criticism” and “responsible alternative policies.”

MacKinnon also called on Conservative MPs to focus on solutions instead of “three word slogans” — an apparent dig at the Conservative leader and his communication style.

Addressing the Conservative caucus Sunday, Poilievre said his MPs will both oppose government policies they reject and propose alternatives.

One of the first tasks facing Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government is to shore up support for the coming austerity budget, due to be introduced next month, which MacKinnon says will include a “substantial” deficit.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 15, 2025.

David Baxter, The Canadian Press