Now confronted with Donald Trump’s tariffs, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stated his government will begin pressing legislation fast-tracking big national projects to help Canada’s economy.
Following a conference with the leaders of Canada’s provinces and territories, Carney presented his strategy on Monday under the label “very productive”.
Ontario premier Doug Ford remarked to reporters, “This has been the best meeting we have had in ten years.”
Carney said his strategy is to compile a list of so-called “nation building” projects – including pipelines, nuclear reactors and trade corridors – and construct a system wherein the projects would be authorized in under two years’ time.
Monday’s conference was Carney’s first with Canada’s premiers since his April federal election triumph.
With whom Canada conducts most of its commerce, he had campaigned extensively on strengthening the nation’s economy to offset tariff threats from the US.
Starting on Wednesday to “further secure the steel industry in the United States,” President Trump has placed tariffs on Canadian steel, aluminum and its auto sector and stated he intends to double taxes on steel and aluminium to 50%.
Carney dubbed the most recent levies “unjustified and unlawful”.
He also mentioned that Dominic Leblanc, Canada’s minister for US-Canada trade, will be returning to the US on Monday night in order to continue negotiations.
Carney said in the meantime that his administration will concentrate on “projects of national interest” to help Canada sell its resources in more markets, enhance security and lessen reliance on other countries.
Following their initial meeting with Carney, the premiers—including Alberta’s Danielle Smith, who had been particularly critical of former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau—appeared cohesive.
While Smith stated she was “encouraged” by Carney’s agenda, Ford claimed all leaders were “great collaborators”.
Still unresolved, though, is whether provinces will agree on more divisive initiatives including oil and gas pipelines.
First Nations chiefs have also voiced worries over Carney’s proposal, stating they worry it will side-step their land and water rights and want more clarity on their participation.
