In Ottawa, Canada’s premiers are set to converge for a two-day meeting aimed at addressing critical issues such as the economy, affordability, and trade. The meetings are scheduled to take place with Prime Minister Mark Carney on Thursday, as the provinces aim to present a united front amid rising trade tensions with the United States, Canada’s largest trading partner.
This gathering occurs one year after U.S. President Donald Trump took office and imposed significant tariffs on Canadian goods. It is also timed just ahead of the formal review of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement, which is slated to begin this summer. Recently, Trump has threatened to impose 100 percent tariffs across the board on Canadian exports, exacerbating the situation for sectors already affected by high U.S. tariffs, such as steel, softwood lumber, and vehicles.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford expressed that the premiers will showcase their unity, emphasizing that the Canadian economy is under significant threat from President Trump. Ford stated, “We’re going to speak from one song sheet, because we’re under attack now by President Trump, and I’ll fight tooth and nail to make sure that we protect everyone.” This sentiment reflects a collective effort among the premiers to stand together despite acknowledging some interprovincial disagreements.
While the focus is on solidarity against external pressures, interprovincial tensions have been pronounced over the past year. For example, Premier Ford recently voiced his disappointment regarding Carney’s new trade agreement with China. This deal facilitates a new quota for Chinese electric vehicles in return for lowered tariffs on Canadian agricultural exports, which primarily benefits prairie provinces like Saskatchewan, a significant canola exporter.
Moreover, relations between British Columbia and Alberta have been strained over Carney’s backing of a proposed coastal pipeline, which has found favor with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith but has drawn criticism from B.C. Premier David Eby. Additionally, Premier Wab Kinew of Manitoba and Ford have clashed over Ontario’s decision to remove Crown Royal whisky, produced in Manitoba, from its provincial liquor store due to factory closures in Gimli.
Kinew has emphasized the need for Carney to create an "off ramp" for Chinese tariffs on Manitoba pork products, highlighting further trade concerns that provinces are eager to address during these talks.
On Monday, Premier Ford met with Prime Minister Carney at a pizza shop in Toronto, where he outlined his priorities, which include energy development, enhancing critical minerals in the Ring of Fire in Northern Ontario, and reinforcing Ontario’s automotive sector. Ford is also scheduled to appear at a news conference with New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt and Craig Bell Estabrooks, the head of Port Saint John.
Meanwhile, Carney held discussions with Nunavut Premier John Main, during which they addressed collaborative efforts on housing, energy, and the initiation of major projects. Main noted that his cabinet, present in Ottawa this week to meet with federal partners, values the focus on Arctic security and sovereignty.
During this meeting, provinces and territories are expected to outline shared priorities, which include infrastructure development and energy concerns. These discussions are pivotal as Canada navigates a complex landscape of trade relations and domestic challenges while aiming to sustain unity at the provincial level.
