Prime Minister Mark Carney gathered all 13 provincial and territorial premiers in Charlottetown to forge a unified response to U.
S. President Donald Trump's announcement of a 50 percent retaliatory tariff on Canadian exports.
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The tariffs, scheduled for August 19, target about 5 percent of Canadian exports valued at $20 billion.
Goods affected include electronics, cement, alcohol, and hockey gear, while major sectors like energy, fish, and potash remain exempt.
Team Canada Approach
Speaking before a private roundtable, Carney stressed national unity in the trade dispute over amendments to the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement.
"We may face similar challenges to the Fathers of Confederation but we have many more advantages," Carney said.
He noted Canada is more diverse, prosperous, and united than in the past.
Carney added that the country's strategic alignment has placed it in a stronger position than when the trade war began.
Provincial leaders expressed support for the federal strategy while calling for decisive action. Ontario Premier Doug Ford emphasized focusing on "Team Canada led by the prime minister."
Prince Edward Island Premier Dennis Lantz urged negotiators to "put everything on the table" and get the deal done.
Former Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Andrew Furey cautioned against overreacting to each new U. S.
headline. "I think we can't overreact every time the president has a new headline," he said.
Furey acknowledged potential internal debates but expressed confidence in maintaining a cohesive front. "This is going to be the test of our resolve," he added.
