Prime Minister Mark Carney and Canada’s premiers will gather today in Saskatchewan for a two-day summit aimed at strengthening national unity, tackling interprovincial trade barriers, and navigating a shifting relationship with the United States.
The First Ministers’ Meeting, taking place June 1 and 2, comes just days after Carney’s high-stakes first meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump. Carney briefed the premiers during a May 8 conference call, where he was praised for his diplomatic approach amid renewed trade tensions and talk of annexation from some in Washington.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford called Carney’s restraint in the Oval Office “a good start to a new relationship,” adding that the Prime Minister has been proactive in reaching out to Western provinces — a region that has long felt neglected by federal leadership.
“The last prime minister showed no love,” Ford said. “So it’s nice that we’re heading out to Saskatchewan.”
The meeting follows controversial remarks from Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, who floated the possibility of separation and introduced legislation to lower the threshold for provincial referendums. Carney, an Albertan himself, responded firmly: “Canada is stronger when the provinces work together.”
The premiers are expected to discuss a range of pressing issues, including interprovincial trade. Carney has committed to introducing legislation by July 1 to eliminate trade barriers between provinces, while Ford has pushed for signed memorandums of understanding among provinces — a plan Smith is reportedly on board with.
Infrastructure and economic development will also be central themes. Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew has proposed several “nation-building” initiatives, including a northern trade corridor and Indigenous fair trade zones, calling Manitoba “the Costco of critical minerals.”
Carney’s leadership will be further tested later this month when he hosts the G7 Summit in Alberta. But for now, all eyes are on Saskatchewan — where the Prime Minister and premiers will attempt to build consensus on how to keep Canada united, prosperous, and respected on the global stage.
