Canada’s premiers and the prime minister emerged from a two-day meeting in Charlottetown with a message of cooperation, but also a renewed focus on protecting Canadian interests as the country faces trade uncertainty with the United States and growing demands for economic growth.
At the First Ministers’ Meeting on July 23, federal, provincial and territorial leaders agreed to accelerate efforts on energy infrastructure, remove internal trade barriers, improve labour mobility and strengthen Canada’s position in global markets.
The meeting came as Canada continues to respond to a series of U.S. trade actions, including tariffs that First Ministers said were imposed in violation of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).
In a joint statement released after the meeting, leaders said Canada must remain united.
“First Ministers reaffirmed the importance of a unified, Team Canada approach, and committed to continued collaboration as they defend Canadian workers, farmers, businesses, and families,” the statement said.
Prime Minister Mark Carney told premiers that Canada remains prepared to work with the United States while defending the country’s economic interests.
“Canada is ready to engage with the U.S. for the mutual benefit of both countries,” the statement said.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford said the meeting demonstrated the importance of provinces and Ottawa working together during a period of economic uncertainty.
“We need to work together to unlock our resources, invest in critical infrastructure and build a more united, resilient and competitive Canadian economy,” Ford said.
A major focus of the meeting was Canada’s energy future, with leaders agreeing that stronger cooperation between provinces will be needed to meet rising electricity demand.
First Ministers said electricity consumption across Canada is expected to double by 2050 due to industrial growth, artificial intelligence, electrification and increased demand for clean energy.
Leaders endorsed the federal government’s National Electricity Strategy, which aims to double Canada’s electricity grid capacity by 2050 and improve access to reliable and affordable power.
They directed energy ministers to advance electricity interconnection projects between provinces and territories, with a goal of completing pre-development work by July 2027 and beginning initial projects by the end of that year.
The leaders said all projects should be underway no later than the end of 2028, depending on market conditions.
They also stressed that Indigenous communities must be fully involved.
“Fulfilling these objectives will require full Indigenous engagement,” the statement said.
Ford said stronger infrastructure and resource development will be key to Canada’s future competitiveness.
“We need to work together to unlock our resources, invest in critical infrastructure and build a more united, resilient and competitive Canadian economy,” he said.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said discussions with the prime minister focused heavily on trade, energy development and provincial priorities.
“Today, I joined Prime Minister Mark Carney alongside all of Canada’s Premiers for the First Ministers Meeting,” Smith said.
She said leaders discussed expanding domestic and international trade opportunities and the need to revisit Canada’s trade relationship with the United States.
“We discussed expanding domestic and international trade, and the urgent need to renegotiate CUSMA with the United States to ensure continued free and fair trade between our two countries,” Smith said.
Smith also highlighted provincial concerns about immigration responsibilities and major infrastructure projects.
“We also spoke to the need for provinces to have a greater say over immigration and the importance of respecting areas of provincial jurisdiction,” she said.
She added that advancing major projects, including a proposed west coast oil pipeline, remains important for Canada’s economic future.
“We are committed to advancing major projects, like the west coast oil pipeline, to secure Canada’s long-term prosperity,” Smith said.
British Columbia Premier David Eby used stronger language in describing Canada’s response to external pressure, saying the country must stand together.
“If you’re picking fights with Canadians, you don’t have a friend in the world,” Eby said.
“We won’t back down from a bully, no matter who they are.”
Eby’s comments came as premiers emphasized the importance of presenting a united front during ongoing trade discussions with the United States.
First Ministers also agreed to continue work aimed at reducing barriers between provinces and making it easier for Canadians to work across the country.
Leaders committed to working toward an agreement in principle by the end of 2026 on model mutual recognition legislation.
The goal is to create a more integrated Canadian labour market where professional credentials and certifications are more easily recognized across provincial and territorial borders.
They also agreed to increase efforts to train and certify more skilled workers.
The federal government said removing internal barriers is necessary to unlock Canada’s economic potential.
“First Ministers agreed this was imperative to unlock Canada’s full economic potential,” the statement said.
The meeting also addressed Canada’s approach to industrial carbon markets.
First Ministers agreed that Canada must encourage investment while reducing emissions and remaining competitive internationally.
A new federal-provincial-territorial working group will be established by the end of the summer to examine options for linking carbon markets across Canada.
The group is expected to report back with a detailed plan by July 2027.
Carney also committed to working with premiers on updating the federal carbon pricing benchmark by the end of 2026.
Beyond economic issues, leaders discussed public safety and health care.
First Ministers endorsed a Federal-Provincial-Territorial Action Plan for Safer Communities aimed at strengthening cooperation between governments and providing law enforcement with additional tools.
They also agreed that health ministers and finance ministers should continue discussions on long-term health-care funding and improving productivity in the sector.
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew described the meeting as an example of governments working together despite differences.
“Canada is strongest when we work together,” Kinew said.
“As the old saying goes, a single arrow can be snapped easily, but when you put a bundle of arrows together, they can’t be broken.”
“That’s what we saw today. Team Canada united. Working together on our healthcare, our economy and Canada’s future.”
The Charlottetown meeting highlighted a rare moment of agreement among federal and provincial leaders as Canada navigates trade pressure, economic uncertainty and major infrastructure decisions.
While premiers continue to push for greater provincial influence over areas such as immigration, energy and economic development, leaders agreed that cooperation will be essential to protecting Canadian interests.
First Ministers said they will continue meeting regularly to track progress on their commitments and address challenges facing Canadians.
“First Ministers agreed on the benefits of their regular communication and reinforced that their cooperation is producing beneficial outcomes for all Canadians,” the joint statement concluded.
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