Canada’s First Ministers met in Ottawa on Jan. 29, 2026, reaffirming their commitment to a unified Team Canada approach and advancing coordinated work to build a stronger, more prosperous and more resilient Canadian economy.
First Ministers discussed the ongoing geopolitical situation, reiterating Canada’s commitment to democracy and the rule of law. They affirmed Canada’s support for NATO allies and agreed to accelerate strategic investments in Canada’s North, including measures to protect Canadian sovereignty in the Arctic.
The meeting included discussions on expanding trade and investment relationships with international partners. First Ministers shared updates on recent international trade missions, with the Prime Minister noting that premiers have led 20 trade missions in the past six months. The federal government has signed 12 trade and security agreements across four continents, aimed at attracting new investment, opening markets and creating tens of thousands of high-paying jobs.
First Ministers agreed on the importance of enhancing competitiveness, attracting foreign direct investment and diversifying trade, with a shared goal of doubling Canada’s non-U.S. exports over the next decade. To support this effort, the Prime Minister announced the launch of a Team Canada Trade Hub to better coordinate trade diversification and support provinces, territories and industry in attracting investment and doing business abroad.
Support for Canadian sectors affected by tariffs, including softwood lumber, steel, aluminum, autos, seafood, canola and pork, was also reaffirmed.
The Prime Minister updated premiers on plans for the upcoming joint review of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement, noting that Canada has the best trade deal with the United States. The federal government committed to ongoing collaboration with provinces and territories throughout the review, including monthly meetings.
First Ministers welcomed progress on major nation-building projects and agreed to continue working together to fast-track approvals, reduce red tape and streamline reviews based on a one project, one review principle, while reaffirming their commitment to reconciliation and the Duty to Consult Indigenous Peoples.
Energy security and electricity infrastructure were also discussed, with agreement to work toward modern, affordable and interconnected electricity systems across all regions, including the North, the Arctic and remote Indigenous communities. The Prime Minister noted that a new federal electricity strategy will be released soon, with governments working together toward a net-zero electricity grid by 2050 while respecting jurisdiction and recognizing past provincial and territorial investments.
First Ministers highlighted recent steps to strengthen internal trade, including progress on mutual recognition and interprovincial transportation, and emphasized the economic benefits of removing barriers. They agreed to continue work to expand mutual recognition to additional sectors by the end of 2026 and to facilitate interprovincial movement in housing and construction.
The meeting also addressed labour mobility, building materials and food and agriculture trade barriers, with a shared focus on reducing costs and improving efficiency.
Public safety and community protection were discussed, including border security, law enforcement capacity and reforms to the criminal justice system. Premiers called on Parliament to pass the Bail and Sentencing Reform Act expeditiously, and ministers were directed to report back in summer 2026 with an action plan to improve community safety.
First Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to meeting regularly to engage on key national priorities.
