Canada’s premiers gather in Muskoka for a three-day summit to tackle U.S. tariff threats, interprovincial trade, Indigenous concerns, and infrastructure priorities.
National Unity Tested by Rising Trade Pressures
Canada’s premiers have converged in Muskoka, Ontario, for a high-stakes three-day summit as cross-border tensions and internal economic priorities dominate the agenda. The meeting comes at a critical time, with the U.S. threatening sweeping tariffs and Prime Minister Mark Carney expected to join discussions on Tuesday.
Key Agenda: U.S. Tariffs, Pipelines, and Trade Barriers
Central to the talks are the United States’ proposed 35% tariffs on Canadian goods, which President Donald Trump has threatened to implement on August 1. In response, premiers are pushing for stronger domestic trade, expedited infrastructure projects, and a united strategy to secure economic resilience.
Leaders are also expected to seek federal backing on removing interprovincial trade barriers and advancing projects like Ontario’s Ring of Fire and Alberta’s pipeline expansions.
Indigenous Concerns Take Centre Stage on Opening Day
Day one of the summit began with consultations involving the Assembly of First Nations, the Métis National Council, and the Native Women’s Association of Canada. These leaders expressed concerns that large-scale infrastructure projects, including mining and energy, must not bypass Indigenous consultation obligations.
Carney, fresh from a meeting with hundreds of First Nations chiefs, faces mounting pressure to balance economic ambition with constitutional duty.
Ford, Smith, Eby Shape Economic Front
Ontario Premier Doug Ford, acting as host and outgoing chair of the Council of the Federation, emphasized defending national economic interests and reducing dependency on foreign markets. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and B.C.’s David Eby echoed the call, each stressing regional priorities such as pipelines and softwood lumber access.
Ford and Smith recently signed a memorandum of understanding on building interprovincial pipeline and rail infrastructure—part of a broader push to fortify internal trade.
Canada-U.S. Trade Deal in Flux
The Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) is under pressure, with the White House indicating plans to revisit the deal next year. U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick criticized Canada’s market access, signaling a tougher stance from Washington.
Carney is pushing to include softwood lumber in the current negotiations, hoping to achieve parity with how Ontario’s auto industry is treated under U.S. trade policy.
Premiers Demand Federal Action on Regulation and Bail Reform
Besides trade, the premiers are calling on Ottawa to roll back energy regulations, including emissions caps and tanker bans, which they argue hinder growth. They’re also pressing for bail reform, citing public safety concerns. Carney has pledged to introduce related legislation in the fall and will discuss it with the premiers during the summit.
Council of the Federation Leadership Set to Shift
This year’s meeting marks a leadership transition within the Council of the Federation, as Ford prepares to hand over the chair position. However, his influence remains strong due to Ontario’s economic clout and his rapport with federal leadership.
Nicknamed “Captain Canada” for his vocal opposition to U.S. tariffs during his re-election campaign, Ford is expected to remain a prominent voice on national unity and economic advocacy even after stepping down as chair.