Canada’s premiers have gathered in Muskoka for three days of high-level talks focused on navigating ongoing trade tensions with the United States, advancing internal economic priorities, and launching collaborative nation-building initiatives. The meetings, chaired by Ontario Premier Doug Ford, come at a critical time as the July 21 deadline for a new Canada-U.S. trade agreement passes without resolution.
The discussions begin as Prime Minister Mark Carney and U.S. President Donald Trump continue negotiating a revised trade deal, now targeting an August 1 deadline. That date looms large, as the U.S. has warned it will raise tariffs on Canadian goods to 35 percent if an agreement is not finalized. The stalled negotiations are expected to dominate the agenda, particularly when Carney joins all 13 premiers on Tuesday to deliver a direct update.
While a tariff-free trade deal appears increasingly unlikely, provincial leaders are expected to press the prime minister on how the proposed tariffs could impact regional industries and employment. The premiers will also explore strategies to reduce internal trade barriers and boost the domestic economy, regardless of the outcome of cross-border talks.
Former Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil emphasized the need for provinces to focus on actionable domestic solutions. “It’s all the more important for Canadian premiers to focus on the things that they can change inside of our own country,” he said in a CTV News interview.
Premier Ford, in his role as chair, described the summit as a chance to work collaboratively on economic recovery and resilience, saying it would be key to addressing President Trump’s trade threats and revitalizing Canada’s economic potential.
Beyond trade, the meeting agenda includes pressing national issues such as energy security, bail reform, wildfire preparedness, immigration, and healthcare. A special session is also planned with Indigenous leaders to discuss economic reconciliation, major infrastructure approvals, and inclusion in nation-building projects. These discussions follow Carney’s recent push to streamline approvals for major infrastructure initiatives through a new federal office expected to launch by Labour Day.
McNeil noted that provincial and federal leaders appear to be aligned in their goals. “They’re all walking in the same direction, and I think they need to stay that way,” he said. “It’s important they send a clear signal that Canada is pushing forward on both opening up internal markets and advancing large-scale national projects.”
The summit will conclude Wednesday afternoon with a press conference summarizing the outcomes. Residents in Muskoka have been advised of increased security and potential traffic disruptions during the event.