Economy, middle-class, bonding on the agenda as Liberal MPs prepare for fall
SAGUENAY, Que. — Liberal MPs began catching up on vacation stories and other tales from outside the political bubble Wednesday evening as they began arriving for a summer retreat to get ready for a year of tough choices as the government figures out how to deliver on its long list of promises.
“It’s good for all of us to get together, talk about what issues are coming up in our constituencies, so we can filter it in to the fall agenda,” Veterans Affairs Minister Kent Hehr said as he greeted his Liberal caucus colleagues in the lobby of a hotel in Saguenay, Que., about 210 kilometres north of Quebec City.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is scheduled to arrive here Thursday morning, when the meetings begin in earnest, where he will address the national caucus after they have gathered in smaller regional groups.
The Liberals are being encouraged to spend their free time in the area, with a community event promising a chance for local residents to mingle with Trudeau and the MPs scheduled for Thursday evening.