Carney cabinet meets in Banff as Zelenskyy prepares to address ministers

Prime Minister Mark Carney’s cabinet began a two-day planning meeting in Banff, Alta., on Thursday, with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expected to address ministers.

Zelenskyy arrived in Calgary late Wednesday with his wife, Olena Zelenska, ahead of the cabinet meeting. His appearance comes as the federal government reviews its economic and trade priorities amid continuing tensions with the United States.

The meeting is also taking place after U.S. President Donald Trump announced new measures targeting imports from Canada. According to the report provided, the measures are expected to restrict imports including alcohol, motorcycles and dairy products beginning later this month.

Canada is not expected to immediately respond with additional retaliatory measures. The report says five members of Carney’s Canada-U.S. Advisory Council have advised the government against taking further retaliatory action against the United States.

Cabinet ministers are expected to discuss measures aimed at strengthening the Canadian economy and maintaining supply chains. The discussions come ahead of the Sept. 21 return of Parliament, when the Liberal government is expected to face questions from opposition parties over its handling of trade relations with the United States and a deal that has been cancelled.