Prime Minister Mark Carney and His Cabinet Are Coming to Banff This Week

Prime Minister Mark Carney and his federal cabinet are coming to Banff this week for two days of meetings focused on the government's priorities for the months ahead.

Carney announced Monday that the federal government will hold its fall Cabinet Planning Forum in Banff on Thursday, Sept. 10 and Friday, Sept. 11. The gathering will bring together cabinet ministers and secretaries of state to review the government's progress and determine its next steps.

The Prime Minister's Office has not publicly disclosed where in Banff the meetings will take place.

For residents and visitors, however, the arrival of the prime minister and cabinet is not expected to significantly disrupt getting around town.

"There are no road closures or any diversions, restrictions on public access or traffic disruptions planned or expected," Town of Banff communications director Jason Darrah told Bow Valley Insider in an emailed statement.

There may still be some noticeable signs that this isn't an ordinary week in Banff.

Motorcades were spotted Tuesday travelling along Highway 1 between Calgary and Banff. It is not clear whether those vehicles were transporting officials connected to the meetings or whether they were part of preparations ahead of the visit.

The two-day gathering is essentially a planning session for the federal government's next stretch of work.

According to the Prime Minister's Office, ministers will take stock of what the government has accomplished so far and map out its next priorities. They will also hear from experts on the economy, Indigenous partnerships and global affairs.

The government says discussions will centre around strengthening Canada's economy, affordability, major infrastructure projects, defence, international trade and Canada's relationships abroad.

Last year's fall cabinet planning session was held in Toronto on Sept. 3 and 4.