Prime Minister Carney Leads Virtual Meeting with Premiers Ahead of CUSMA Trade Talks

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Prime Minister Mark Carney convened a virtual meeting with provincial premiers to discuss trade negotiations with the U.S. and Mexico concerning the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) as the July 1 deadline approaches.

OTTAWA — On Wednesday afternoon, Prime Minister Mark Carney presided over a virtual meeting with the country’s premiers, as preparations intensify for significant trade negotiations with the United States and Mexico. According to a statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office, Carney briefed the premiers on the ongoing discussions with the Trump administration regarding the future of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement, commonly referred to as CUSMA. Earlier in the day, U.S. President Donald Trump remarked that he is 'not looking to renew' CUSMA, suggesting that the United States will not meet the July 1 deadline for its renewal.
Following the meeting, Ontario Premier Doug Ford spoke to reporters at Queen’s Park, indicating that the premiers were reassured that the federal government intends to approach negotiations with sincerity. 'The question is, when are we going to get through it?' Ford stated. He emphasized that during his recent discussions in Washington, the primary concern expressed was one of uncertainty, with many stakeholders seeking stability in the trade landscape.
Carney’s office also indicated that the meeting included discussions on the government’s national electricity strategy, which aims to double power generation by the year 2050. This meeting marked the first gathering of all premiers since Alberta Premier Danielle Smith announced plans for a fall referendum to explore potential separation. Tensions continue between the Alberta and British Columbia governments regarding a proposed oil pipeline project aimed at the West Coast. Carney has committed to collaborating with the Smith administration on this initiative.
During the meeting, Smith noted that the provinces and territories had the opportunity to express their priorities concerning trade relations with the United States and Mexico. 'We also discussed the significance of a robust Canadian economy as we navigate a period of global uncertainty,' Smith commented in a statement. She highlighted the widespread consensus among the provinces on the need to work together to harness Canada’s energy potential, aspiring to position the nation as a leading energy superpower on the world stage.
As the July 1 deadline for the mandatory review of CUSMA approaches, the timing of this meeting is critical. Additionally, Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak, the National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, met with Carney on the same day. A statement released following their discussion indicated that they explored plans for a first ministers meeting aimed at addressing First Nations issues later this year, along with the legislative agenda for Parliament and the upcoming federal budget for 2026.
'First Nations continue to stress that nation-building initiatives, clean water access, and major projects legislation must be developed in collaboration with us, in accordance with our rights, jurisdiction, and stewardship responsibilities,' Nepinak stated. During their meeting, she also updated Carney on her recent conversation with King Charles III and expressed her appreciation for the federal government’s invitation for First Nations to engage more actively in shaping the national AI strategy. She reaffirmed that First Nations stand 'shoulder-to-shoulder with Canadians' in opposition to U.S. tariffs.

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