Prime Minister Mark Carney is meeting Canada’s premiers in Ottawa on Thursday as the scheduled review of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement, known as CUSMA, approaches and U.S.-Canada trade tensions persist. The gathering aims to present a united front ahead of bilateral and trilateral discussions.
Provincial leaders used Wednesday’s Council of the Federation events to press for coordination between Ottawa and the provinces, while also flagging disagreements that could complicate a single national negotiating position.
Premiers push a ‘Team Canada’ approach
Ontario Premier Doug Ford and New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt, speaking to reporters in Ottawa, described a ‘Team Canada’ approach as essential heading into trade talks. They said provinces and territories must work with the federal government to protect Canadian interests.
It’s his job to make sure that we have a united country, that he’s out there selling Canada. But it’s also our job as provinces and territories to do the same thing, a Team Canada approach.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford
I do agree with Prime Minister Carney that nothing is the same anymore with our relationship with the U.S., with what’s happening in the United States right now. We don’t recognize our longtime friends and trading partners.
New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt
Trade strains, tariffs and recent threats
The United States has applied multiple rounds of tariffs on key sectors of the Canadian economy, including steel, aluminium, autos and lumber. Those measures have heightened the stakes for the CUSMA review and for any new bilateral arrangements.
Last week, former U.S. President Donald Trump threatened a 100 per cent tariff on all Canadian goods after Canada announced an agreement with China covering canola and electric vehicles. Canada’s trade minister, Dominic LeBlanc, publicly denied that Ottawa was pursuing a free trade deal with China.
- Sectors hit by U.S. tariffs: steel, aluminium, autos, lumber
- Trump threatened sweeping tariffs following a Canada-China agreement on canola and electric vehicles
- Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc said Canada is not pursuing a free trade deal with China
Provincial differences could complicate national messaging
Despite the ‘Team Canada’ rhetoric, premiers remain divided on several issues. Ontario has removed Crown Royal whisky, which is bottled in Manitoba, from provincial liquor stores, a move that drew attention during Wednesday’s discussions.
Ford called Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew “a pal of mine” when pressed about the decision. Other flashpoints include the dispute between British Columbia Premier David Eby and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith over a proposed pipeline to the B.C. coast.
Ford also reiterated his opposition to a Canada-China arrangement that would allow 49,000 electric vehicles into the Canadian market annually. He described those vehicles as potential security risks.
I think I’ve been very clear how I feel about bringing in Chinese spy vehicles and that’s where I stand.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford
Where the CUSMA review stands
Carney told reporters that Canada’s internal review process for CUSMA is complete and Ottawa is preparing to engage with the United States and Mexico. He said consultations in the U.S. and Mexico are under way, and that there is more work to do before formal talks.
We’ve had good conversations, good back and forth. There’s a lot of work to be done for the review of CUSMA. That work has started with reviews in the United States, internal reviews and consultations. The work has started in Mexico. It’s finished in Canada.
Prime Minister Mark Carney
- CUSMA review process officially began in September 2025
- Ottawa indicated in December it would formally start trade discussions with the U.S. in January
- Canada says it will be ready to sit down with the U.S. and Mexico soon
The meeting in Ottawa is intended to align federal and provincial priorities before bilateral and trilateral consultations proceed. Premiers want assurances their industries and workers will be protected during the review and any changes to the agreement.
Canada faces a narrow window to coordinate positions while managing tariff pressures and intra-provincial disagreements that could affect negotiation leverage once talks formally begin.
