Cdn. Premiers met to discuss trade, economy and competition

WINNIPEG — Canada’s Premiers concluded their annual summer meeting with a discussion of key economic priorities to support future growth and prosperity.

Key priorities discussed on Jul. 12 by Premiers include:

• competitiveness, Canada-United States relations and trade;
• strategic infrastructure;
• energy security and critical minerals; and
• sustainable development and climate action.

Premiers are addressing these issues in cooperation with key partners. Premiers call upon the Prime Minister to convene a First Ministers’ Meeting dedicated to the linked priorities of competitiveness and strategic infrastructure.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston assumed the Chair of the Council of the Federation. Nova Scotia will host the summer meeting of Canada’s Premiers on July 15 – 17, 2024.

Competitiveness and Strategic Infrastructure

Supporting Canada’s strategic infrastructure and its ongoing competitiveness in the global economy, while increasing international trade opportunities, is critical for the economic prosperity of all provinces and territories. Strategic infrastructure includes community, economic, and competitive infrastructure.

Trade corridor infrastructure is critical to enhance and secure the vital supply chains, transportation networks, and market access needed to maximize economic potential and prosperity. Premiers endorse the principles set out in the Canada Trade Infrastructure Plan proposed by a coalition including the Business Council of Canada, Canadian Chamber of Commerce, Canada West Foundation, Canadian Construction Association, Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters, Civil Infrastructure Council Corporation, and the Western Canada Roadbuilders and Heavy Construction Association.

The Premiers recognize that strong, integrated supply chains are the best way to enhance competitiveness across North America. Provinces and territories remain concerned about trade-limiting actions in the United States. Premiers discussed ongoing concerns with unwarranted duties on Canadian softwood lumber exports to the United States, and the need to resolve this long-standing dispute, as well as concerns regarding the expansion of protectionist Buy America provisions in all forms.

Energy Security & Critical Minerals

The Premiers agreed on the importance of developing resources in a responsible manner, meeting domestic needs, and positioning Canada as the optimal solution to global energy needs and security. Provinces and territories have diverse energy and natural resources assets, which is reflected in their respective jurisdictions’ priorities. Hydrogen, natural gas, hydroelectricity, wind, carbon capture utilization and storage, small modular reactors, uranium and oil, are examples of Canada’s abundant energy sources and technologies, which are among the most sustainable and ethical in the world. Canada’s energy sector will continue to evolve and adapt to new technologies in search of lower to zero-emitting energy sources, and provide new, higher-paying skilled jobs for decades to come.

The Premiers say are also focused on promoting Canada’s potential as a global powerhouse in the reliable sourcing and supply of critical minerals and rare earth elements. Critical minerals extraction and processing will continue to generate economic prosperity, and create potential to support high-value activities in the electric vehicle supply chain. Premiers called on the federal government to take action to ensure the accelerated approval processes identified in Budget 2023 are implemented in a timely manner.