Liberals, Conservatives both talk about collaboration but gaps remain

OTTAWA - Government House leader Stephen MacKinnon says that while the government needs opposition votes to pursue its agenda, he’s under “no illusions” about the prospects for co-operation with Pierre Poilievre’s Conservatives.

MacKinnon briefly outlined the Liberal government’s agenda this morning after parliamentarians returned from their summer break.

He acknowledged the minority government will need opposition support to pass legislation, such as the controversial border security bill, and said it will listen to “constructive criticism” and “responsible alternative policies.”

MacKinnon also called on Conservative MPs to focus on solutions instead of “three word slogans” — an apparent dig at the Conservative leader and his communication style.

Addressing the Conservative caucus Sun