Conservatives target affordability, EU ties at B.C. caucus retreat
Pierre Poilievre and Melissa Lantsman focus on cost-of-living and reject EU associate membership with new taxes or open borders.
KEY POINTS
- Conservative caucus retreat held in Penticton, B.C.
- Lantsman questions Carney's unreported EU membership talks
- Poilievre rejects EU associate membership with new taxes or open borders
- Affordability and wildfire recovery highlighted in speeches
- Opposition role defined as domestic push-back, not foreign criticism
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and Deputy Leader Melissa Lantsman addressed the party's caucus retreat in Penticton, B.C., on Sept. 16. Lantsman challenged reports that Prime Minister Mark Carney sought EU associate membership without parliamentary debate.
Carney's office confirmed he met European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and welcomed a "far stronger, more ambitious alliance" beyond the existing CETA trade deal. Poilievre said his party would oppose any arrangement that adds EU taxes or open-border policies.
“None of this has been discussed here, with media, or with Parliament, or with Canadians.”
Poilievre praised Okanagan residents for resilience during a difficult wildfire season, thanking firefighters, first responders, small businesses and charities. He framed the Opposition's role as pushing back and offering alternatives at home, not criticizing the government abroad.
The leader also cited unfair tariffs and "trolling" from U.S. President Donald Trump as challenges Canadians want the government to overcome.
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