Canadian Premiers Convene in Ottawa Amid Rising CUSMA Tensions with Trump Administration

Premiers Gather in Ottawa for Critical Discussions

Canada's provincial and territorial premiers have convened in Ottawa for their annual Winter Meeting, scheduled for January 28-29, 2026. The high-stakes gathering, hosted by Prince Edward Island Premier Bloyce Thompson, chair of the Council of the Federation, is dominated by discussions on the national economy, affordability challenges, and crucial trade strategies. A central focus is the impending review of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), set against a backdrop of escalating trade tensions with the Donald Trump administration.

CUSMA Review Looms Amidst Tariff Threats

The CUSMA, which came into effect on July 1, 2020, is due for its first formal review this summer. Canadian officials have completed their internal review process and are prepared to engage with the United States and Mexico. However, the discussions are complicated by recent aggressive rhetoric from the Trump administration. U.S. President Donald Trump, who returned to office in 2025, has threatened to impose 100 percent across-the-board tariffs on Canadian exports, adding to existing duties on sectors like steel, softwood lumber, and vehicles. Trump has also publicly stated that CUSMA is 'irrelevant' to him and that the U.S. 'didn't need' Canadian products. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has cautioned Prime Minister Mark Carney against 'virtue signalling' ahead of the CUSMA negotiations.

'Team Canada' Front Despite Internal Divisions

In response to the renewed pressure, premiers are seeking to forge a united 'Team Canada' approach to protect national economic interests. Ontario Premier Doug Ford has been particularly vocal, asserting that premiers will 'fight tooth and nail' to protect Canadians from Trump's tariffs. Prime Minister Mark Carney is also participating in the meetings, engaging in discussions with the premiers.

Despite the emphasis on unity, underlying interprovincial tensions persist. These include disagreements between British Columbia Premier David Eby and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith over a proposed pipeline, and a dispute between Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew and Ontario Premier Doug Ford regarding whisky sales. Furthermore, divisions have emerged among premiers concerning Prime Minister Carney's recent trade pact with China, which has been lauded by some for reopening agri-food trade but criticized by others, such as Ontario, over electric vehicle tariffs.

Economic Stability and Affordability on the Agenda

Beyond trade, the premiers are addressing pressing domestic issues. Discussions include strategies to bolster the Canadian economy and tackle rising affordability concerns impacting citizens across the country. These internal economic priorities are being deliberated in parallel with the external trade challenges, highlighting the complex landscape facing Canada's leaders.