Carney Concludes First Ministers’ Meeting with Focus on Trade, Tariffs, and Unity

Premiers back Ottawa’s firm stance on U.S. tariffs and support national push for a unified Canadian economy

Ottawa, ON — Prime Minister Mark Carney wrapped up a virtual First Ministers’ Meeting on Friday, securing support from all provincial and territorial premiers on the federal government’s strategy to defend Canadian workers and businesses amid escalating trade tensions with the United States.

Carney briefed premiers on the outcomes of his recent meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump during the G7 Leaders’ Summit in Kananaskis. The two countries have agreed to pursue a new trade deal within 30 days, with Canada emphasizing a firm but fair approach to negotiations.

“No longer will Canada wait endlessly for progress,” Carney told premiers, according to officials. “We will take the time needed to get the best deal for Canada — but no longer.”

The meeting comes just one day after Ottawa introduced new counter-tariff measures to protect Canadian industries from what it described as unjustified U.S. trade actions. These countermeasures are set to be adjusted on July 21, depending on the progress of talks.

Premiers from across the country expressed support for the federal plan and echoed the importance of accelerating domestic infrastructure projects and eliminating interprovincial trade barriers. The effort aligns with Ottawa’s new One Canadian Economy Act, passed earlier this week in the House of Commons.

Dominic LeBlanc, Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade and Intergovernmental Affairs, and Kirsten Hillman, Canada’s Ambassador to the United States, joined Carney in the meeting.

What’s Next:
Canada’s premiers and the federal government agreed to remain in close contact as negotiations with Washington continue and as they advance shared goals for economic unity and strength.

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