Canadian Premiers are gathering for a three-day meeting in Ontario’s scenic Muskoka region, hosted by Ontario Premier Doug Ford. Collectively, this gathering is an important and historic moment. To Ford’s credit, he has led the Council of the Federation for the past year without this kind of paternalistic rhetoric. In stark contrast, this meeting is about shielding national interests. It will focus on important issues such as interprovincial trade, economic security threats and tax expenditure reporting reforms.
The meeting comes at a key time for the provinces. Against the backdrop of increasing trade tensions, Nova Scotia’s new Premier Tim Houston is making a concerted effort to jumpstart stronger interprovincial trade efforts. Premier David Eby would obviously be keen to address issues of particular concern to British Columbia. The agenda is shaping up to include a full range of discussions on these interrelated issues.
Focus on Economic Collaboration
In his opening remarks, Premier Doug Ford emphasized the need for unity between provinces through such a meeting. He stressed that this meeting is a great opportunity to work together to address President Trump’s most recent assault. He further nodded at the need to tap into the unrealized potential in Canada’s economy. This sentiment captures the importance of the pressure that led the premiers to prioritize their provinces’ economic interests in the face of outside economic realities.
There is widespread support to make that happen Tim Houston was singing from the same songbook, stressing the need to strengthen interprovincial trade ties. He underscored the value of working together to address economic challenges posed by the U.S. He talked about how removing internal trade barriers helps businesses grow and scale, making it easier for them to export into other international markets. His comments are emblematic of a widespread frustration across Canada of not being able to strengthen internal economic connections.
Along with promoting provincial trade, Alberta’s newly elected Premier Danielle Smith wants to see provincial cooperation to fight tariff attacks. She has before signed a memorandum of understanding with Ontario’s Doug Ford to open up new pipeline and rail line routes across provinces. Smith underscored, “We need to do more trade with each other…that camaraderie that comes with collaboration — I hope that’s what guides our discussion.”
Legislative Reforms and Federal Engagement
The meeting will feature key discussions with Mark Carney, who is set to meet with the premiers on Tuesday. As the new Canada’s Prime Minister, Carney has told Canadians to expect legislation to reform Canada’s bail laws as a top priority in the fall parliamentary session. We anticipate that themes will include the implications of these reforms for each of the premiers’ provinces.
British Columbia’s interests will be well served with David Eby as the province’s chief negotiator in these talks, especially on the subject of softwood lumber exports. He’s asking for the same equitable treatment from the federal government. He lamented, “(We wish) to receive access to this many levels of attention, … for instance, on the softwood lumber as Ontario receives — on the motor vehicle parts sector.” This declaration is a telling sign of long-standing apprehension over the absence of provincial representation in federal negotiations.
Smith and other premiers have publicly expressed their wish for Carney to rescind certain energy regulations. They have come to believe these regulations are impediments to economic development. The emphasis on legislative change at this meeting further illustrates the collaborative spirit across all premiers’ offices to tackle their common challenges in the most effective way possible.
Inclusion of Indigenous Perspectives
Another key feature of this particular meeting will be the presence of Indigenous leaders at the table to help inform conversations. The Assembly of First Nations and the Métis National Council will be joining as active participants. By having them at the table, Indigenous perspectives are centered in conversations about economic policies and interprovincial cooperation.
Including Indigenous voices in these discussions could be a powerful demonstration of a new commitment among premiers to build collaborative and inclusive governance. By doing so, this approach can result in more holistic solutions that better address the needs of all Canadians.
