Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe, Prime Minister Mark Carney, and Ontario Premier Doug Ford spoke to reporters after the first ministers' meeting held in Saskatoon on Monday, June 2, 2025. The Canadian Press
Canada’s premiers have gathered in Muskoka, Ontario, for a three-day meeting focused on trade, both within Canada and with the United States. This comes as tensions rise due to new tariff threats from U.S. President Donald Trump. Talks will cover steel, aluminum, softwood lumber, pipelines, and Indigenous consultation.
Meeting With Prime Minister
Prime Minister Mark Carney will meet with the premiers on Tuesday. He recently spoke to hundreds of First Nations leaders. Many voiced concern that their rights are being overlooked as governments push forward with major development projects.
Tariffs a Growing Concern
Trump recently delayed a trade deal deadline to August 1. He also warned of a possible 35% tariff on Canadian goods. U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said the U.S. wants Canada to open more markets. He added Trump wants to protect American jobs by shifting car production from Canada and Mexico to U.S. states like Michigan and Ohio.
Softwood Lumber and Regional Issues
British Columbia Premier David Eby plans to press the softwood lumber issue. He said he wants B.C. to get the same attention as Ontario gets for the auto sector. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is also pushing for new pipelines. She said it’s vital to work with other provinces to face the tariff threat and expand interprovincial trade.
Provinces Strengthen Trade Ties
Smith and Ontario Premier Doug Ford signed a deal to study more pipelines and rail projects. They want to move energy and goods between provinces more easily. Both leaders also want Prime Minister Carney to roll back some energy regulations like net-zero targets and a West Coast tanker ban.
Ford has already signed trade deals with several provinces. He also passed a law to remove Ontario’s internal trade restrictions. Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston said the U.S. trade fight shows how urgent it is to boost internal trade and find new global markets.
Other Topics on the Table
Besides trade, the premiers plan to talk about emergency response, energy security, public safety, and bail reform. Carney said new federal bail laws are coming this fall and expects to talk more with the premiers on that issue.
New Chair to Take Over
The meeting also marks the end of Ford’s term as chair of the Council of the Federation. But he doesn’t plan to step back. As premier of the country’s biggest province, Ford has strong influence and close ties to Carney. He gained national attention for defending Canada on U.S. television, earning the nickname “Captain Canada.”
