Historic Meeting Sets Ambitious Path to Tear Down Trade Barriers and Build Big Projects Faster
In a landmark First Ministers meeting held today at the Canadian War Museum, Prime Minister Mark Carney and the premiers of all provinces and territories reached a consensus to develop a national energy and trade corridor, dismantle interprovincial trade barriers, and accelerate the construction of projects vital to Canada’s long-term economic growth.
The meeting, just one week into Carney’s term as prime minister and ahead of an anticipated federal election call, marked a turning point in intergovernmental cooperation in response to escalating tariffs imposed by the United States.
“It is high time we build what once seemed unimaginable—and at a speed we’ve never seen before,” said Prime Minister Carney. “We must unite to build the strongest, freest, and fairest country in the world.”
Facing an urgent economic threat due to tariffs introduced by U.S. President Donald Trump, Carney and the premiers prioritized bold, collaborative action. Discussions centered around removing internal trade barriers, improving digital and energy connectivity, and creating faster approval systems for nation-building infrastructure projects.
Key federal relief measures announced today include:
- Waiving the one-week waiting period for Employment Insurance for Canadians affected by U.S. tariffs.
- Allowing deferred income tax, GST, and HST payments for Canadian businesses to support liquidity during this critical period.
“These measures will protect Canadian workers, support our businesses, and help stabilize our economy through this phase of the trade war,” Carney stated.
Eliminating Trade Barriers: A Game Changer for Growth
To promote long-term growth and economic integration, Prime Minister Carney committed to:
- Removing all existing exemptions under the Canada Free Trade Agreement to ensure seamless trade across provinces and territories.
- Tabling legislation by July 1, 2025, that will enable goods and services to move freely across Canada.
- Lifting labour mobility restrictions in federally regulated professions.
- Streamlining project approvals by recognizing provincial assessments to eliminate duplication.
According to economic estimates, eliminating internal trade barriers could contribute up to $200 billion to the Canadian economy.
Carney also unveiled plans for a “First Mile Fund” that will provide capital to construct transmission and transportation networks, linking resource extraction sites to national infrastructure corridors. The fund aims to bridge critical gaps in rail, road, and energy systems across the country.
In support of Indigenous economic inclusion, the federal government will double the Indigenous Loan Guarantee to $10 billion, allowing Indigenous communities to invest in and benefit from large-scale projects.
“Together, we can give ourselves more than any foreign government can ever take away,” Carney said. “Our vision is one where goods, services, and people move seamlessly from coast to coast to coast.”
Ontario Premier Doug Ford praised the meeting’s outcomes, confirming that both Ontario and Nova Scotia are preparing legislation to remove interprovincial trade barriers and streamline approvals.
“We’re all aligned on the need to cut red tape and get big things built faster,” said Ford. “This is the kind of bold leadership Canada needs right now.”
Though some premiers expressed hesitation, the overwhelming sentiment was one of urgency and unity.
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe, who joined virtually, highlighted the need to address China’s retaliatory tariffs on Canadian agricultural exports. Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew confirmed that Carney pledged to speak directly with China’s leadership prior to dissolving Parliament.
The federal government will:
- Introduce the barrier-free trade legislation by July 1, 2025.
- Identify and fast-track projects of national significance, including the Cedar LNG, LNG Canada, and Port of Churchill initiatives.
- Collaborate with provincial governments, Indigenous communities, and stakeholders to prioritize infrastructure and energy projects that contribute to Canada’s national interest.