Carney set to kick off Australia visit with speech on ‘shifts in the global order’

What’s happening on (and off) Parliament Hill, plus the news you need to start your day.

Amid a lengthening list of unanswered questions over — and, in some cases, criticism of — Canada’s position on the ongoing U.S-Israel-led military attacks on Iran, Prime Minister Mark Carney — who, along with his travelling entourage, touched down in Sydney, Australia last night — is once again set to take questions from reporters later today after abruptly pulling the plug on a planned media availability before departing New Delhi that, as Canadian Press notes would have been his first media availability since the tricontinental tour kicked off last week.

The travelling press pool did, however, get the chance to cross-examine Defence Minister David McGuinty, who held an on-camera back-and-forth on the latest developments in the Middle East last night, during which he stressed that Canadian military personnel in the region are “all find, out of harms way.”

He also reiterated that Canada “was not given advance notice” of the joint operation, CP notes, “and said the government ‘decided from the beginning’ it would support the attack, but is also calling for a diplomatic end to the conflict.”

According to his itinerary, Carney is also scheduled to “witness a signing ceremony” ahead of a “featured conversation” at the Lowy Institute that, as per the programme, will explore “shifts in the global order and the opportunities they present for middle powers, such as Canada and Australia.”

Meanwhile, Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre clocks in a second day on the international hustings in London, where, in addition to “further meetings with Members of Parliament and the business community,” he’ll deliver the annual Margaret Thatcher Lecture during an “invitation-only” appearance at the Centre for Policy Studies.

As CBC News reports, yesterday evening, Poilievre “spoke (at) a reception at London’s exclusive, members-only Carlton Club, a bastion for British Tories dating back to 1832 … focused on relations between Canada, the U.K., Australia and New Zealand,” and “urged greater co-operation between the Commonwealth partners on critical minerals, defence procurement and recognizing professional credentials from each other’s jurisdictions.”

Back in Canada, Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand — who, it’s worth noting, was part of Carney’s ministerial delegation in India — will offer “direct insight into Canada’s deepening relationship with key partners such as the European Union and Asia-Pacific, evolving trade and foreign policy strategy and the implications for business” during a keynote speech at a “special luncheon” hosted by the Toronto Region Board of Trade, which, as per Anand’s office, will include a “fireside chat” with RBC senior vice-president John Stackhouse, although as yet, there’s no indication that she’ll also make herself available to media. (11 a.m.)

Elsewhere in the Greater Toronto Area, Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon will “highlight federal priorities aimed at strengthening Canada’s transportation system, reinforcing supply chains and supporting the country’s economic grow” during a morning event at the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada’s yearly meet-up. (10 a.m.)

Later this afternoon, Energy and Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson will announce “investments in Canadian critical minerals” as he spends a second day making the rounds at the annual conference and trade show, where, as iPolitics’ own Aya Dufour notes, “a big topic of discussion is how an increasing government focus on major projects could help accelerate permitting timelines in a highly regulated industry.” (1 p.m.)

Also out and about today:

Artificial Intelligence Minister Evan Solomon tours the Halifax, N.S. headquarters of Volta, which bills itself as “Atlantic Canada’s premier AI-startup hub,” where he’ll also share the details of new federal support earmarked for “organizations that are driving artificial intelligence innovation and adoption across multiple sectors,” according to his office. (8:55 a.m. AT)
Moving west, Industry Minister Mélanie Joly teams up with Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew, as well as her fellow front bencher Rebecca Chartrand and local Liberal MPs Ben Carr and Ginette Lavack, at a “ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the official opening of the All-Canadian Build facility” at Winnipeg-based New Flyer, the “largest transit bus manufacturer in North America,” according to its website. (11:30 a.m. CT)
Later tonight, Joly and Chartrand will mingle with Winnipeg-area Liberals at a $250-per-ticket reception at the Fort Garry Hotel, with all proceeds to go to the Churchill — Keewatinook Aski Federal Liberal Association. (8 p.m. CT)
Secretary of State for Defence Procurement Stephen Fuhr drops by the Head of the Lake Hall in Vernon, B.C. to deliver a fresh tranche of federal funding for “a community-led project that helps Indigenous youth.” (10 a.m. PT)
Rounding out the roster, Housing and Infrastructure Minister Gregor Robertson headlines a $1,775 reception at the Neptune Seafood Restaurant to support of the Burnaby Central Federal Liberal Association, with Burnaby-area MP Wade Chang also expected to be in attendance. (6:30 p.m. PT)