Premiers call for urgent meeting with Trudeau to discuss Canada-U.S. relations
Canada’s premiers are eager to convene with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at the earliest opportunity to deliberate on the Canada-U.S. relationship. Ontario Premier Doug Ford, in a letter to Trudeau, emphasized the importance of discussing how Ottawa intends to navigate its ties with Washington now that Donald Trump is poised to return to the White House.
The premiers underscored the need to collaborate and capitalize on the incoming U.S. administration to fortify the longstanding partnership with the U.S. They also sought clarity from Trudeau regarding the approach towards the impending review of the trilateral continental trade pact, known as the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).
Highlighting his recent focus on trade with the U.S. and Mexico, Ford has raised concerns about Mexico being a conduit for Chinese products infiltrating the North American market. He has advocated for advancing bilateral trade agreements with the U.S. and Mexico prior to the CUSMA review in 2026.
Following a gathering of provincial and territorial premiers, Ford asserted that all premiers supported his push for the federal government to negotiate a separate trade deal with the United States. However, Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Andrew Furey clarified that the agreement was contingent upon the failure of the existing pact.
Trudeau, during a press conference, emphasized the success of the current trilateral pact and expressed a preference for its continuation. Nonetheless, he acknowledged legitimate concerns about Chinese investments in Mexico and their potential impact on the agreement.
In response to Ford’s overtures, the Prime Minister’s Office affirmed its commitment to collaborating with provinces and territories to advance mutual priorities on trade, investment, and regional stability. Trudeau’s discussions with Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum at the G20 summit revealed assurances of support for maintaining Mexico’s inclusion in the trade agreement.
Sheinbaum attributed Ford’s stance to domestic political dynamics in Canada, characterizing it as part of an electoral strategy. Despite the differing perspectives on trade dynamics, the overarching goal remains to foster constructive dialogue and cooperation between Canada, the U.S., and Mexico.
Moving forward, the premiers and the federal government must engage in substantive discussions to chart a path that safeguards economic interests, promotes trade relations, and sustains the robust partnership between Canada and its North American neighbors.
