Friday December 19, 2025 | OTTAWA, ON [Reporting from VICTORIA, BC]
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
Prime Minister Mark Carney held a virtual meeting with provincial and territorial premiers yesterday.
The goal of the December 18 virtual meeting was to advance coordinated work to build a more resilient Canadian economy.
According to a statement from the prime minister’s office (PMO) on Thursday evening, Carney had briefed the premiers on the federal government’s actions to transform the Canadian economy and protect Canadian careers.
That includes preparations for Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) negotiations ahead of next year’s review, accelerating efforts to deepen trade relationships and delivering targeted supports for Canada’s strategic industries most affected by U.S. tariffs.
The Premiers as the Council of the Federation are Chaired by PEI Premier Bloyce Thompson.
Aiming for the best possible deal:
The federal government’s commitment was confirmed as to protecting Canada’s economic interests throughout all CUSMA negotiations.
There is a a clear objective: securing the best possible deal for Canada – one that provides certainty and stability for Canadian workers, businesses, and investors, while protecting our unique Canadian advantage.
LeBlanc will lead:
To advance the CUSMA work, Carney confirmed today that Minister Dominic LeBlanc will meet with U.S. counterparts in mid-January to launch formal discussions.
Long-time MP and cabinet minister LeBlanc is President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada, Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade, Intergovernmental Affairs and One Canadian Economy, and Minister of Internal Trade.
Strategic industries:
Supports are in place for Canada’s strategic industries hardest hit by tariffs, according to the PMO’s statement.
Those sectors include steel, aluminum, lumber, and canola.
Carney noted that Canada’s economy remains in a strong position – with unemployment declining, jobs rising, and wages outpacing inflation.
International partners:
Building on this strength, the Prime Minister emphasized the government’s success in securing new trade agreements with international partners. The PMO says this is “clear evidence that the world wants to do more business with Canada”.
Carney confirmed the federal government’s intention to pursue additional trade agreements in the coming year and thanked premiers for their leadership in advancing these relationships through provincial and territorial trade missions.
Premiers commitment:
The PMO’s statement says that Canada’s Premiers at the December 18 meeting “reiterated their shared commitment to advancing major infrastructure projects across the country to expand the production and export of energy and critical minerals”.
- The premiers of Canada’s 13 provinces and territories provided updates on sectors most affected by tariffs and acknowledged federal support.
- The Premier outlined complementary provincial and territorial measures – particularly for steel and softwood lumber.
- The Premiers stressed the importance of standing with workers and communities facing global economic disruptions.
New year:
Carney and the premiers agreed to maintain close collaboration and to meet in person in Ottawa early in the new year.
Today’s meeting was the tenth such meeting of the Prime Minister with First Ministers. Carney’s office says this demonstrates “a strong, united effort to build a more competitive, independent Canadian economy”.
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