HUNTSVILLE — Premier Doug Ford is hosting Canada’s premiers in Muskoka this week for the 2025 Summer Meeting of the Council of the Federation, amid rising economic uncertainty and looming tariff deadlines with the United States.
The three-day summit began Monday with a high-level meeting between premiers and national Indigenous leaders, including National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak (Assembly of First Nations), National Chief Brendan Moore (Congress of Aboriginal Peoples), President Victoria Pruden (Métis National Council), and President Josie Nepinak (Native Women’s Association of Canada). The discussion focused on economic development and reconciliation, with a particular emphasis on Indigenous equity partnerships in resource projects like critical minerals.
“We had a productive discussion focused on economic development and advancing economic reconciliation,” said Premier Ford in a statement Monday. “Working together is key to advancing Indigenous-led approaches… that respect the diversity of Indigenous communities and cultures.”
New Internal Trade Agreements
Premier Ford also announced two new interprovincial trade MOUs — one with British Columbia and another with Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut. These bring Ontario’s tally to 10 signed agreements aimed at removing internal trade barriers and boosting labour mobility across Canada.
“There’s never been a more important time to boost internal trade,” said Ford. “Together, we’re helping Canada unlock up to $200 billion in economic potential.”
BC Premier David Eby and the three territorial premiers — Mike Pemberton (Yukon), R.J. Simpson (NWT), and P.J. Akeeagok (Nunavut) — emphasized how the agreements reduce costs, improve labour mobility, and unlock economic opportunity, particularly in the North.
Saskatchewan Joins Infrastructure Pact
On Tuesday, Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe officially joined Ford and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith in a landmark infrastructure MOU that supports new pipelines, rail lines, and energy corridors across provincial lines. The agreement includes commitments to build projects using Ontario steel, support Indigenous equity participation, and push for a streamlined federal regulatory environment.
“This agreement sends a clear message,” said Ford. “Ontario, Alberta and Saskatchewan are ready to get shovels in the ground and move forward on projects that will secure our long-term prosperity.”
“We are sending a clear signal that Canada’s energy future will be built by Canadians, for Canadians,” added Moe.
Carney to Join Tuesday
As of publication, the meeting continues with the anticipated arrival of Prime Minister Mark Carney on Tuesday, who is expected to join premiers for talks on interprovincial trade, energy strategy, and Canada’s ongoing tariff negotiations with U.S. President Donald Trump.
Premiers arrived Monday at Deerhurst Resort in Huntsville, with informal discussions beginning over dinner at Ford’s Port Sydney cottage. A major topic this week remains the pending Aug. 1 deadline on U.S. trade sanctions and how provinces can act collectively to protect Canadian industries.
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