Friday May 2, 2025 | NATIONAL NEWS [Reporting from VICTORIA, BC]
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
Today Canada’s Premiers wrote to the Prime Minister with their congratulations following the April 28, 2025 federal election.
They issued their letter — signed by Ontario Premier Doug Ford as Chair of the Council of the Federation (COF), after re-elected Prime Minister Mark Carney delivered his first speech in Ottawa since the election.
The premiers are stating their willingness to continue with what has become known as a Team Canada approach (that began under the former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau).
But they are itching to make progress in the work of establishing economic security for the provinces and the support that will be needed for workers, businesses and communities, especially having contributed to federally-led efforts taken so far.
Ford says in the COF letter: “Right now, it is crucial that we work together to address ongoing challenges, particularly the tariffs imposed by both the United States and China on Canadian exports.”
Ford continues to say that each of the premiers have “taken steps to strengthen strategic relationships with key US leaders to push back against the tariffs”, but that the Premiers continued to believe “that we are stronger together”.
The Premiers want continued regular First Ministers’ Meetings with the Prime Minister, as the relationship with the U.S. administration continues to evolve.
Letter to the Prime Minister from Canada’s Premiers
May 2, 2025
Dear Prime Minister:
On behalf of Canada’s Premiers, I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to you on your party’s success in the April 28, 2025, federal election. We look forward to working with you and your government to build a more prosperous, secure and self-reliant Canada.
Right now, it is crucial that we work together to address ongoing challenges, particularly the tariffs imposed by both the United States and China on Canadian exports.
As Premiers, we have each taken steps to strengthen strategic relationships with key U.S. leaders to push back against the tariffs. While we continue to believe that we are stronger together, these tariffs have demonstrated the need for Canada to reduce its dependence on our neighbours to the south.
President Trump has made it clear that he intends to begin negotiations on the U.S.-Canada economic and security relationship. Regular First Ministers’ Meetings have been essential in ensuring a strong and united Team Canada approach to U.S. relations. We appreciate the federal government’s engagement to date in consulting with provinces and territories on Canada’s tariff response and support for workers, businesses and communities.
As Canada works to secure an agreement to remove all tariffs on Canadian goods, Premiers are requesting the resumption of regular First Ministers’ Meetings. This will allow us to continue to offer our support and unique perspective on potential opportunities and risks that may arise from the evolving relationship with the U.S. administration.
Once again, congratulations Prime Minister. Premiers stand ready to work with you.
===== RELATED:
- NDP made Canada’s dental plan possible, now Carney promotes it (May 2, 2025)
- Carney delivers first speech as re-elected prime minister (May 2, 2025)
- Federal Election 2025 Results – leaders, parties & BC (April 28, 2025 / Updated to May 2, 2025)
NEWS SECTIONS: CANADA-NATIONAL | CANADIAN FEDERAL ELECTION 2025 | CANADA-USA | COUNCIL OF THE FEDERATION