Prime Minister Carney Concludes First Ministers’ Meeting on Economic Resilience and Trade

First Ministers’ Meeting focuses on trade resilience, CUSMA talks, and protecting Canadian workers

Ottawa, Ontario – Prime Minister Mark Carney has concluded a virtual First Ministers’ Meeting with provincial and territorial premiers, focused on strengthening Canada’s economic resilience amid ongoing global trade uncertainty and preparing for upcoming Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) negotiations.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister briefed premiers on the federal government’s efforts to protect Canadian jobs and industries, including preparations ahead of CUSMA’s scheduled review next year. Discussions also centred on accelerating trade diversification, strengthening relationships with international partners, and delivering targeted supports to strategic sectors impacted by U.S. tariffs.

Ahead of the CUSMA negotiations next year, I spoke with Canada’s premiers today about our shared goal of providing more certainty for Canadian workers and businesses — and continuing to deliver support for those affected by U.S. tariffs.

— Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) December 19, 2025

Focus on CUSMA and Trade Stability

Prime Minister Carney reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to securing the best possible outcome for Canada in all CUSMA negotiations. He stressed the importance of ensuring long-term certainty for Canadian workers, businesses, and investors, while safeguarding Canada’s competitive advantages.

As part of this process, the Prime Minister confirmed that Minister Dominic LeBlanc will meet with U.S. counterparts in mid-January to formally launch discussions.

Support for Tariff-Affected Industries

The Prime Minister also highlighted federal supports already in place for industries most affected by trade disruptions, including steel, aluminum, lumber, and canola. He noted that Canada’s broader economic indicators remain positive, with declining unemployment, rising job numbers, and wage growth continuing to outpace inflation.

Building on this foundation, Prime Minister Carney pointed to recent trade agreements secured with international partners as evidence of growing global confidence in Canada’s economy. He confirmed the government’s intention to pursue additional trade agreements in the year ahead and thanked premiers for their leadership in advancing these efforts through provincial and territorial trade missions.

Infrastructure, Energy, and Critical Minerals

Premiers reiterated their shared commitment to advancing major infrastructure projects across the country, particularly those tied to expanding energy production and critical minerals development. They also provided updates on tariff-affected sectors, acknowledging federal support and outlining complementary provincial and territorial measures, with a focus on steel and softwood lumber.

Throughout the discussion, premiers emphasized the importance of standing with workers and communities facing economic disruption as global trade dynamics continue to shift.

Continued Federal-Provincial Collaboration

Prime Minister Carney and the premiers agreed to maintain close coordination and to meet in person in Ottawa early in the new year. Since Prime Minister Carney’s election, First Ministers have met ten times, underscoring a sustained effort to strengthen Canada’s economic independence and competitiveness.

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