Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is meeting with his party’s MPs in Penticton, British Columbia, as the House of Commons prepares to resume on September 21. The two-day caucus retreat is expected to focus on parliamentary strategy, party unity and the issues Conservatives intend to raise during the fall sitting. The gathering follows a summer of public disagreements within conservative circles over the party’s direction and leadership. Several Conservative figures have questioned the party’s internal discipline, while MPs face pressure to respond to changing political and economic conditions in their ridings. Affordability is expected to be a major priority for the Conservatives. Poilievre has said the party will focus on the cost of housing, groceries, transportation and other household necessities. He has also called for an economic action plan aimed at reducing expenses and supporting jobs. The Canada-U.S. trade dispute is another central issue. Poilievre recently travelled to New York and advocated a return to tariff-free trade with the United States. The Conservatives are expected to press the Liberal government for greater transparency regarding trade negotiations and its response to tariffs affecting Canadian businesses and workers.
Poilievre has also raised concerns about Canada’s proposed closer relationship with the European Union. While supporting cooperation in areas such as trade, defence and foreign policy, he has argued that Canada should retain control over its laws, taxation and immigration policies. The Conservatives are returning to Parliament after a difficult period for the party. Several MPs have moved to the Liberal benches, while other seats have become vacant or are expected to be vacated. These developments have added to questions about the party’s parliamentary strength and its ability to maintain a unified opposition. The party’s upcoming parliamentary strategy is expected to include criticism of government spending, economic policy, trade negotiations and affordability measures. Conservative MPs will also be expected to raise issues affecting their individual constituencies and respond to the Liberal government’s legislative agenda. Poilievre is scheduled to hold a campaign-style rally in Brantford, Ontario, later this week, where Conservative MP Larry Brock is preparing to resign. The event is expected to be the Conservative leader’s first major rally since the 2025 federal election. The fall sitting will provide the Conservatives with an opportunity to present their policy proposals, question the government and seek to strengthen their public profile. The caucus retreat is intended to help the party coordinate its approach as Parliament resumes amid continued economic uncertainty and trade tensions with the United States.