Fransçois Legault, Premier of Quebec, about creating stronger connections between the states and provinces at the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors and Premiers Leadership Summit in Quebec City. He called for greater cooperation between Canadian provinces and U.S. states. The summit, which convenes leaders from eight U.S. states and Ontario, aims to foster collaboration amid ongoing trade tensions and uncertainties in North American relations.
Legault tackled perhaps the most controversial issue of the campaign, supply management in the dairy sector. It was this topic that led to the most heated public argument between him and U.S. President Donald Trump. Legault was equally adamant that Canada not compromise on its supply management system. This valuable system Trump has repeatedly attacked, with the intention of destroying it.
“The big elephant in the room is the uncertainty about the relationship between Canada and the United States, so, we really need to know where we’ll be in one year, in two years, in four years, in 10 years.” – François Legault
The summit opened with some rousing discussion about the positive state of affairs across the broad spectrum of strategic issues. Attendees explored the themes of critical minerals & defense spending, the digital economy & AI. Legault made sure to stress that Canadian provinces should strengthen ties beyond their traditional partnerships and economic connections. He underscored the priorities of American farmers who have waited years for increased access to the Canadian market.
Even in the face of these challenges, Legault highlighted the importance of sustained coordination. He recognized geography’s role in shaping interdependence between the regions, stating, “That said geography will not change, the St. Lawrence and the Great Lakes will continue to be interdependent, and in the long term beyond temporary upheavals the only way forward is to always strengthen our ties and collaboration.”
The summit is set to conclude on Monday, with a news conference featuring Legault and Ontario Premier Doug Ford scheduled for the same day. The two leaders are likely to discuss long-standing bilateral trade negotiations as well as future cooperation.
Legault was further encouraged by Canada’s plans to renegotiate the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (CUSMA), which is set to come up for a review next July. He underscored the need for clear communication regarding product labeling, stating, “When we talk about what’s written on different products, it has to be bilingual.”
On Tuesday, Prime Minister Mark Carney is scheduled to meet with President Trump, signaling ongoing high-level discussions between Canada and the United States.
