Canada’s premiers have outlined their top priorities ahead of a key meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney on Nov. 17, signalling growing urgency around infrastructure spending and the state of negotiations with the United States. The virtual meeting will be the latest in a series of regular first ministers’ discussions Carney has held since taking office earlier this year.
In a letter made public Tuesday, the premiers emphasized that Canada’s relationship with the United States has shifted dramatically in recent weeks — a development they say necessitates closer coordination between Ottawa and the provinces. Prince Edward Island Premier Rob Lantz, writing on behalf of the Council of the Federation, stressed the importance of sharing information, supporting affected workers, and presenting a united front in response to the evolving trade dynamic with Canada’s largest economic partner.
The upcoming meeting follows a major setback in Canada–U.S. relations. Trade talks stalled after U.S. President Donald Trump abruptly walked away from negotiations, reportedly angered by an anti-tariff advertisement launched by Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s government. The $75-million ad, which aired on U.S. stations and included archival footage of Ronald Reagan denouncing tariffs, was pulled only after it had already run during the first weekend of the World Series.
Premiers want a detailed update from Carney on the trade talks and how the federal government plans to manage U.S. relations moving forward. Their letter also calls for discussions on trade with China and India, the federal government’s major projects strategy, and upcoming infrastructure investment — priorities the premiers say are essential to navigating a period of economic uncertainty.
Quoting Carney’s own Speech from the Throne, Lantz noted that Canada is at a moment of “the largest transformation of its economy since the Second World War.” He added that such a transformation can succeed only through close collaboration between federal and provincial governments.
With provinces voicing mounting concern over trade instability and the need for robust infrastructure funding, next week’s meeting is expected to be a pivotal moment in shaping federal-provincial cooperation for the year ahead.