Prime Minister Mark Carney will organize a meeting with the prime ministers of Canada at the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa on Friday, with interprovincial trade on the agenda.
The Office of the Prime Minister and the Office of the Prime Minister of Ontario, Doug Ford, confirmed the details of the meeting.
The meeting occurs two days before a federal choice is called.
The commercial war of the president of the United States, Donald Trump, intensified last week, since the country imposed 25 percent tariffs on all imports of steel and aluminum that enter the country, which led Canada to effectively double its retaliation tariffs on US goods.
Trump has also repeatedly suggested that Canada should become state 51.
Audrey Champoux, the main press secretary of Carney, says that the prime minister has been clear that the main priorities for his government include defending Canadians before unjustified commercial actions by the United States, supporting workers and strengthening the economy.
“He promised during his leadership campaign that would work with the ministers to do so and convene a first meeting of ministers as soon as possible, which has now been scheduled for next Friday,” Champaux said in a statement.
“This meeting will be an opportunity for all ministers and prime minister to discuss the work ahead, including the way they will work in collaboration to create a Canadian economy, instead of 13”.
Alberta Prime Minister Danielle Smith will attend virtually, while Terranova Prime Minister Andrew Furey will be in Japan for a commercial mission.
The prime ministers attend in person include Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew, New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt, Pei Premier Rob Lantz, New Scotland Prime Minister Tim Houston, Quebec Prime Minister François Legault and Ford.
Last week, Ford met with Carney for breakfast at Wally’s Grill in Etobicoke, Ontario, where they discussed the ongoing commercial problems with the Trump administration.
But when a journalist asked Ford earlier this week if he had a better relationship with Carney or conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, Ford said he did not “know any of them to be honest” and that “he would work with anyone.”
“I do not represent the federal government, but what I am trying to do is continue with these conversations,” Ford said. “The last thing we want to do is separate from the table and start coming and going again. But there will be no challenges, no doubt.”
With Meagan Fitzpatrick files from CBC, Kate McKenna, Raffy Boudjikanian and Marina von Stackelberg
