Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to host a significant meeting with Canada's premiers in Ottawa later this month, with the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) at the top of the agenda. This gathering marks a pivotal effort to coordinate federal and provincial strategies on the critical continental trade pact.
Aligning Federal and Provincial Trade Priorities
The upcoming meeting, scheduled for January 2026, represents a key step in Prime Minister Carney's approach to intergovernmental collaboration. The discussions are expected to focus on ensuring a unified Canadian front on CUSMA implementation, dispute resolution mechanisms, and addressing any emerging trade irritants with the United States and Mexico. This follows Carney's first ministers' meeting in Saskatoon in June 2025, highlighting his continued emphasis on direct dialogue with provincial leaders.
A Strategic Focus on Continental Competitiveness
With global economic uncertainty and evolving U.S. trade policies, the Ottawa summit is strategically timed. Premiers will bring forward regional concerns and opportunities related to the trade deal, which governs the vast majority of North American commerce. The federal government aims to harmonize these perspectives into a cohesive national strategy to bolster Canada's economic competitiveness and supply chain resilience under the agreement.
Broader Political and Economic Context
This meeting occurs amidst a dynamic political landscape. The news of the premiers' gathering was reported alongside other significant political developments, including the impending resignation of Chrystia Freeland as an MP and preparations for Prime Minister Carney's own historic state visit to China next week—the first by a Canadian prime minister in nearly a decade. The convergence of these events underscores a period of active diplomatic and economic repositioning for the federal government.
The outcome of the Ottawa meeting will be closely watched by business leaders and international partners. A coordinated intergovernmental stance on CUSMA is seen as essential for protecting Canadian interests and seizing new export opportunities in the North American market.
