The Council of the Federation – the group of Canada’s premiers – will soon pass its chair to the NWT after meeting in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island this week.
The PEI meeting focuses on healthcare, energy security, affordability and improving trade.
The Council of the Federation was created in 2003 and includes the 13 premiers from Canada’s provinces and territories. The group is designed to encourage collaboration between the premiers and foster “a constructive relationship among the provinces and territories, and with the federal government,” according to the council’s website.
“This week’s meetings are an important opportunity to find common ground with provincial and territorial colleagues and to continue working with the federal government on practical solutions that improve the lives of Canadians,” said NWT Premier RJ Simpson in a media statement on Tuesday.
Meetings began on Tuesday. On Thursday, premiers will meet with Prime Minister Mark Carney to convey priorities discussed over the past two days. A press conference held on Wednesday suggested that conversation will focus on how the federal government supports provinces and territories in delivering healthcare, and securing a trade deal with the United States before President Donald Trump’s latest round of tariffs takes effect on August 19.
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“We have a shared commitment to strengthen Canada’s economy, improving affordability, and delivering results for Canadians, but there’s no doubt our conversation with the prime minister tomorrow will have a new level of urgency,” said PEI Premier Rob Lantz, the current chair of the Council of the Federation.
“We’re looking forward to sharing our priorities tomorrow and working with the prime minister to ensure Canadians see a strong, united approach as we focus on protecting workers, farmers, fishers, businesses, and all Canadians.”
A majority of the questions directed at premiers during the Wednesday press conference were on how likely it is for Canada and the US to renegotiate the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement within the next 30 days, following US trade representative Jamieson Greer’s comment that talks will continue into 2027.
“All we can do is to make every effort, myself as a subnational leader, to support our federal government and support those that are sitting at that bargaining table,” said Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe.
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“Each leader up here, each provincial and territorial leader, will be doing the same, so that we can support that negotiating team in coming to that agreement as soon as possible.”
“At the end of the day, the United States needs to decide what they want,” said British Columbia Premier David Eby, referencing the announced tariffs on Canadian wood and recent roundtable discussions between the US and mining companies looking to invest more in Canada.
“Do they want a strong partner in Canada, where we work together, or are they keen to go it alone?”
In a joint statement, the premiers said they “support efforts to negotiate a comprehensive deal that includes the full range of tariff-affected sectors, including softwood lumber, steel, aluminum, manufacturing, and auto industries.
“Premiers urge the federal government to maintain a clear, timely consultation process with provinces and territories during negotiations.”
Healthcare as nation-building
Federal funding and support for healthcare was the other main topic discussed during the press conference.
Premiers said they started the day hearing from the Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions and discussed both how the federal government can support healthcare and how jurisdictions can collaborate.
“Certainty is needed on the federal government’s intentions as a funding partner,” the joint news release issued by the premiers stated, calling for a commitment to flexible and sustainable funding.
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“We need a long-term commitment,” said Lantz. “Many of our provinces are looking at a fiscal cliff in terms of funding our healthcare systems.”
“There can be no bigger nation-building project than building up this nation’s people, and that has to include healthcare, universal public access to healthcare,” said Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew.
“As Canada makes historic investments in the North, we need to make sure those investments improve the lives of the people who live here and leave communities stronger,” said Simpson in Tuesday’s media statement.
“The success of our major projects depends on accessible and affordable housing, healthy communities, a strong workforce and meaningful economic opportunities for Indigenous governments, Northern businesses and residents.”
As chair responsibilities shift from PEI to the NWT, Simpson outlined his priorities for the Council of the Federation over the next year, including Arctic sovereignty, partnerships with Indigenous leaders, and major projects like the Mackenzie Valley Highway, Arctic Economic Security Corridor and Taltson Hydro Expansion.
“I look forward to working with Premiers from across the country to build on the areas where we agree, strengthen our relationship with the federal government and focus on delivering real results for Canadians,” said Simpson.
“A stronger Northwest Territories and a stronger North mean a stronger Canada. I look forward to carrying that message into this week’s discussions and to working with my colleagues to keep moving our shared priorities forward.”
