First Ministers Set Timelines for Energy Grid and Internal Trade Reforms
Federal, provincial and territorial leaders also discussed U.S. tariffs, carbon markets, public safety and health-care funding
CHARLOTTETOWN — Canada’s federal, provincial and territorial leaders have agreed to advance electricity interties, labour mobility and internal trade reforms following a First Ministers’ Meeting in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Isl and.
The July 23 meeting focused on Canada–United States trade relations, energy independence, domestic trade barriers and the future of industrial carbon markets.
It marked the 14th meeting of First Ministers since March 2025 and their fifth in-person gathering during that period.
Unified Response to U.S. Trade Actions
First Ministers discussed recent U.S. trade measures that the joint statement characterized as unilateral tariffs imposed in violation of the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement.
Prime Minister Mark Carney said Canada remains prepared to engage with the United States where cooperation benefits both countries.
The leaders reaffirmed a Team Canada approach to defending Canadian workers, farmers, businesses and families while continuing efforts to diversify Canada’s international trade relationships.
The federal government committed to keeping provinces and territories involved as Canadian priorities are represented in current and future trade negotiations.
In Charlottetown, the Premiers and I are focused on what we can control.
Energy affordability and security. Breaking down barriers to labour mobility. Getting big things built, faster. pic.twitter.com/Z0U7rlRmF1
— Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) July 23, 2026
Electricity Interties Targeted for 2027 and 2028
Energy infrastructure was one of the meeting’s central priorities.
The leaders said Canada’s electricity demand is expected to double by 2050 as industrial activity expands and technologies such as artificial intelligence and electrification increase power requirements.
Energy ministers were directed to work together on implementing electricity interties that can move power more efficiently between provinces and territories.
First Ministers agreed to complete pre-development work on their respective projects by July 2027. An initial group of projects is expected to be underway by the end of 2027, with the remaining projects targeted for no later than the end of 2028, subject to favourable market conditions.
The leaders said full Indigenous engagement will be required as projects advance.
One Canadian Market
First Ministers also committed to accelerating work on internal trade and labour mobility.
They will seek an agreement in principle by the end of 2026 on model mutual-recognition legislation intended to help regulated workers and businesses operate more easily across provincial and territorial boundaries.
The Committee on Internal Trade was instructed to begin that work immediately and provide regular progress reports.
Carbon Markets and Community Safety
A new federal-provincial-territorial working group will examine options for linking industrial carbon markets across Canada. It is expected to begin work by the end of the summer and report back by July 2027.
The Prime Minister also committed to working with premiers to update Canada’s carbon-pricing benchmark by the end of 2026.
First Ministers endorsed a national action plan for safer communities and discussed longer-term health-care funding and productivity. Health and finance ministers will continue those discussions.
The leaders also acknowledged the wildfires affecting several regions and thanked firefighters, first responders and Canadian Armed Forces personnel assisting affected communities.
Source: First Ministers’ Joint Statement, July 23, 2026.
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