Premiers back Carney as tariff talks continue

Canada’s premiers say they support the federal government as it works to ease new U.S. tariff threats, but there is mixed confidence that a deal can be reached quickly. At their summer meeting in Charlottetown, premiers said Washington’s announcement of 50% tariffs on billions of dollars in Canadian imports has strengthened their unity. Some leaders, including Saskatchewan’s Scott Moe and Alberta’s Danielle Smith, said they remain hopeful, while others urged preparation for a possible breakdown in talks. Prime Minister Mark Carney is scheduled to meet the premiers in Charlottetown as Canada seeks to intensify negotiations over the next month. The premiers also discussed possible responses, including trade leverage, though some provinces rejected using energy exports as pressure. Beyond the tariff dispute, the premiers used the meeting to call for higher federal healthcare transfers, asking Ottawa to maintain at least the current fiveyear growth rate.