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Winnipeg Free Press
3 days ago
- Business
- Winnipeg Free Press
First ministers meeting produces unfamiliar but encouraging sense of optimism
Opinion What happened in Saskatoon this week hasn't been seen in Canadian politics for a long time. Other than the early days of crisis management around the COVID-19 pandemic, one probably has to go back to the 1990s to remember when a federal-provincial gathering ended on such an optimistic, even collaborative, note. No angry premiers storming out. No federal lectures about jurisdiction. And, most surprisingly, no perennial squabbling over federal transfer payments. Premier of Manitoba Wab Kinew, left to right, Prime Minister Mark Carney, Premier of Nova Scotia Tim Houston, Premier of Québec François Legault, Premier of New Brunswick Susan Holt, and Premier of the Northwest Territories R.J. Simpson during the First Minister's Meeting in Saskatoon on Monday, June 2, 2025. (Liam Richards / The Canadian Press files) Instead, what we got from Monday's first ministers meeting, led by Prime Minister Mark Carney, was something bordering on unity: a clear, collective voice emerging on economic growth, diversification and reducing our overwhelming reliance on exports to the United States. The tone and substance of the meeting marked a striking departure from the norm. Ontario Premier Doug Ford, never one to sugar-coat, called it 'the best first ministers conference I've ever attended.' Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston echoed the sentiment, describing the tone as 'forward-looking and respectful.' Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew said the plan has the potential to help lower-income Canadians through better access to jobs and education. He also praised Canadians for coming together to help fight the wildfires in Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Even Alberta Premier Danielle Smith — often the federal government's most combative critic —expressed something bordering on praise. 'I was encouraged by Prime Minister Carney's tone and his willingness to make Canada an energy superpower again,' Smith said after the meeting, adding that Carney's openness to pipeline infrastructure could signal a thaw in one of Confederation's chilliest relationships. This first ministers meeting was not only civil, it was productive. Let's pause for a moment on that. Smith, who has floated the idea of Alberta holding a referendum on separation from Canada and spent the better part of two years verbally sparring with Ottawa, was 'encouraged.' That word doesn't get tossed around lightly in federal-Alberta relations. This first ministers meeting was not only civil, it was productive. A shared agreement was struck on a pan-Canadian approach to economic growth that includes building internal trade, exploring new international markets and improving infrastructure to support the next generation of Canadian exports — from clean energy to oil and gas. Perhaps most significantly, all of this came without the usual baggage. The premiers, often quick to complain that federal health transfers aren't sufficient, didn't dwell on the matter this time. Nor did the federal government offer any veiled constitutional reminders about jurisdictions or fiscal restraint. Instead, the agenda was refreshingly forward-looking. Canada's heavy dependence on the U.S. as a trading partner has long been a sore spot for economists and policy-makers alike. The desire to diversify is not new. But what's new is the broad agreement among provinces and the feds that now is the time to do something about it, together. The former Bank of Canada governor may be green in political years, but it's clear he's brought with him a measured, professional tone that provinces seem to appreciate. Carney, in one of his first major tests as prime minister, showed calm conviction. The former Bank of Canada governor may be green in political years, but it's clear he's brought with him a measured, professional tone that provinces seem to appreciate. Not grandstanding. Not lecturing. Just listening, and leading. Even on the thorny issue of pipelines, Carney appears to have found a middle path. While not promising specific projects, he indicated an openness to the idea that oil and gas infrastructure, if done responsibly and with environmental safeguards, could play a role in Canada's economic growth. What was missing from the conference was representation from Indigenous leaders. They still do not have a seat at the federal-provincial table, which is wrong. There are treaty and other constitutional obligations regarding Indigenous people that need to be considered when fast-tracking large-scale projects, including affected lands and waterways located on treaty territory. Indigenous leaders have a right to be at the table to discuss those issues. Still, Monday's gathering showed that when leaders stop shouting past each other, progress is possible. It helps, too, that the economic stakes are high. Canada is entering a pivotal period where global trade dynamics are shifting: wars in Europe and the Middle East, increased protectionism in the U.S. and the green transition accelerating in Asia and Europe. If Canada doesn't adapt, it risks being left behind. This was a first ministers meeting that set a new tone… and potentially a new standard… for how this country could move forward, together. There will still be battles ahead, of course. Not every premier sees eye to eye on carbon pricing, energy transition or the pace of decarbonization. Some, like Quebec's François Legault, are still wary of federal overreach. And it's unlikely Smith's rhetoric on sovereignty has been permanently shelved. But the fact that the premiers and the prime minister emerged from a daylong meeting with a shared sense of purpose — and not just a vague commitment to 'work together' — is something rare enough to celebrate. Maybe it's the Carney effect. Maybe it's the Trump threat. Or, perhaps, it's just economic pragmatism finally prevailing over political theatre. Either way, this was a first ministers meeting that set a new tone — and potentially a new standard — for how this country could move forward, together. Let's hope it lasts. Tom BrodbeckColumnist Tom Brodbeck is a columnist with the Free Press and has over 30 years experience in print media. He joined the Free Press in 2019. Born and raised in Montreal, Tom graduated from the University of Manitoba in 1993 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics and commerce. Read more about Tom. Tom provides commentary and analysis on political and related issues at the municipal, provincial and federal level. His columns are built on research and coverage of local events. The Free Press's editing team reviews Tom's columns before they are posted online or published in print – part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
Winnipeg Free Press
3 days ago
- Business
- Winnipeg Free Press
Premiers, PM talk about ‘generational change' after high-stakes meeting
SASKATOON — Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew said the nation-building projects discussed by the premiers and Prime Minister Mark Carney on Monday present a 'generational opportunity for Canadians,' especially those who live in poorer communities. Provincial and territorial leaders sat down with Carney in Saskatoon and each premier was armed with wish lists of major projects they hope the federal government will deem to be in the national interest, then fast-track for approval. 'The point is to build the certainty, the stability and the ambition that builders need to catalyze enormous investment — investment to make Canada into an energy superpower,' Carney said at the closing news conference. Premier of Manitoba Wab Kinew, left to right, Prime Minister Mark Carney, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs of Canada Dominic LeBlanc, Premier of Québec François Legault, Premier of New Brunswick Susan Holt, and Premier of the Northwest Territories R.J. Simpson during the First Minister's Meeting in Saskatoon on Monday, June 2, 2025. (Liam Richards / The Canadian Press) Ontario Premier Doug Ford said the gathering was the 'best' they have had in the last decade — a light jab at former prime minister Justin Trudeau, who frequently had frosty relations with the group, especially prairie premiers looking to build out the energy sector. Ford said the premiers, and the whole country along with them, stand united as Canada comes under attack from U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs — even as some in the group scrapped over pipeline politics. While the group mulled over a number of potential natural resource and infrastructure developments in private, they did not release a final list. 'Nothing was carved in stone at this meeting,' Ford said, adding he had no expectations the prime minster would approve specific projects at the meeting. 'I described him today as Santa Claus. He's coming and his sled was full of all sorts of stuff. Now he's taking off back to the North Pole and he's going to sort it out and he's going to call us.' The federal Liberals have yet to reveal in Parliament their promised legislation to speed up approvals for select projects to a maximum of two years. That could be tabled as early as this week. When he was pressed on the lack of specifics after the meeting, Carney said he could name lots of examples of contenders. He rattled off a list that included the Grays Bay Road and Port, which would connect southern Canada to the Arctic by road, along with the Ring of Fire mining project in northern Ontario. Notably, he mentioned the Pathways Alliance oilsands project, though he did not commit to any. Carney said the group would refine what should count as priority projects over the summer and touted that as 'private proponents become aware of the opportunity here, we're going to see more projects coming forward.' He said the upcoming federal legislation will also mandate meaningful consultation with Indigenous Peoples, including in which projects get picked and how they are developed. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith went into the meeting warning that any list that doesn't include new pipelines would send a bad message to her province. She left the meeting on a positive note, saying it's up to political leaders to find a proponent for a new pipeline and that she's willing to give this process a chance. Premier of Saskatchewan Scott Moe, left to right, Premier of Manitoba Wab Kinew, and Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador John Hogan during to the First Minister's Meeting in Saskatoon on Monday, June 2, 2025. (Liam Richards / The Canadian Press) 'I'm encouraged by the immediate change of tone that we've seen from recent months,' she said. 'When we hear the prime minster talking about being an energy superpower, we haven't heard that language for some time.' Before the meeting, Kinew was asked how confident he was that one of his pet projects — modernizing the Port of Churchill — would get the green light from Ottawa. 'We need to get our natural resources in Canada to tidewater. I think, in time, you'll see that Hudson Bay is probably the most tenable course towards hitting international tide waters.' He was asked about the challenges of building a heavy-traffic rail line to the northern port. 'We have tidewater. We've got communities who are ready to engage in northern Manitoba to bring these natural resources to market. So let's use the private sector to figure out the engineering, the best route and how to energize the Western Canadian engine that's going to power the Canadian economy,' he said. In April, Kinew and Nunavut Premier P.J. Akeeagok signed a statement to work together to push for an energy corridor to the North. Akeeagok said Monday he sees the potential to strengthen Canada's sovereignty and the North, for a change. 'The infrastructure gap between north and south is something that, I think, we're all taking note of, and that this is our moment as a country where we're unified around wanting to see us prosper and to become stronger and very much look forward to seeing actual infrastructure built to ensure that our communities are healthy,' Nunavut's premier said. When asked how he'd like to see fellow premiers react if their projects don't make the cut, Kinew used a hockey metaphor. 'This is Team Canada and it doesn't matter if you're the first shift for the initial puck drop or if you're there killing the penalties. At the end of the day, everyone's going to have their time on ice and everyone's going to have a role in building up this great country,' he said. On the issue of Chinese tariffs on Canadian agriculture and seafood products, the prime minister said he plans to work urgently to have them removed. Carney called it a top priority and said Ottawa is speaking with Chinese officials at the ministerial level. Premier of Manitoba Wab Kinew speaks to media prior to the First Minister's Meeting in Saskatoon on Monday, June 2, 2025. (Liam Richards / The Canadian Press) A statement released after the meeting said premiers want Canada's trading relationship with China to improve. Beijing imposed retaliatory tariffs of 100 per cent on Canadian canola oil and meal, peas and seafood after Ottawa slapped levies on Chinese-made electric vehicles, steel and aluminum. Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe has said China's tariffs threaten his province's canola industry. Wednesdays Columnist Jen Zoratti looks at what's next in arts, life and pop culture. Kinew agreed it's a major priority for Manitoba. 'I think it speaks to the fact that we're trying to solve this complex, multi-variable equation: We have the Trump administration on one side and then we have an ascendant People's Republic of China on the other side,' he said. 'I think that this meeting here today of the first ministers… is an important step forward for us being able to have that showdown with China, have that showdown with the Trump administration and make sure that you and your jobs come out on top.' — with files from The Canadian Press Carol SandersLegislature reporter Carol Sanders is a reporter at the Free Press legislature bureau. The former general assignment reporter and copy editor joined the paper in 1997. Read more about Carol. Every piece of reporting Carol produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
