Building unity in uncertain times: What the first ministers and premiers’ summer meetings mean for business

Canada’s leaders gathered this week in Ontario’s cottage country for the annual summer meetings of first ministers and premiers. While the lakeside backdrop evoked serenity, the agenda was anything but. With rising U.S. tensions, complex infrastructure ambitions, and persistent interprovincial trade barriers, Prime Minister Carney and provincial leaders faced challenging questions about Canada's economic resilience and unity.

Behind closed doors, our leaders tackled Canada’s top priorities from nation-building and emergency readiness to defence sovereignty and labour mobility. These conversations will shape the operating environment for businesses and organizations well into 2026.

Why this matters

These meetings signal where Canada is headed strategically, economically, and diplomatically. In particular, the tone of federal-provincial collaboration marked a shift from past years, reflecting the realities of global turbulence, domestic fragmentation, and the growing imperative to “get things built.”

For the private sector, this means anticipating regulatory shifts, aligning with emerging federal-provincial priorities, and preparing for volatility, especially in relation to trade. For public affairs and government relations, it means understanding how consensus (or its absence) will affect timelines, investments, and messaging.

What does this mean for your organization?

For executives and decision-makers, this week’s meetings signal where to focus next. Here are three priorities to watch:

1. Major projects are moving, but approvals will be the challenge. With the federal government standing up a new Major Projects Office (MPO), the focus is squarely on accelerating regulatory approvals. Businesses will need to navigate evolving expectations around Indigenous consultation and regional alignment to stay in the queue for priority treatment. The Prime Minister recently announced that the MPO will be established by Labour Day. The Office will serve as arguably the federal government’s most important “nerve centre” for key decisions.

2. Defence policy is opening new avenues for investment. Ottawa’s defence spending commitments are more than a military play; they signal an opportunity for dual-use infrastructure that serves both security and economic objectives. Companies positioned to deliver value across both priorities may benefit from the upcoming federal procurement and regional investment.

3. Interprovincial trade and labour mobility are gaining real momentum. Provinces are stepping in where federal action has lagged, opening the door to smoother movement of workers and goods across the country.

Let’s take a closer look at what this means for your business.

Nation building projects: Urgency and tension

The Prime Minister confirmed that the Major Projects Office, a new federal headquarter for infrastructure, will be live by Labour Day. But unity on execution remains fragile. Indigenous consultation is top of mind: while premiers agreed on its importance, Saskatchewan Premier Moe signaled his government would advance projects outside of Bill C-5, citing a preference for province-led consensus with First Nations.

For proponents of infrastructure and energy projects, the message is clear: federal momentum is real, but political friction will shape the pace. Understanding local dynamics and Indigenous perspectives will be essential in aligning with Ottawa’s nation-building push.

Defence spending: Commitment to industrial strategy

In a rare show of unity, premiers endorsed the federal target of 2 per cent of GDP for defence spending this year. But this wasn’t just about military readiness, it was about industrial policy.

Industry Minister Mélanie Joly emphasized that Canada’s defence sector must reduce dependence on U.S. supply chains. Her engagement with agencies like EDC and NRC suggests that federal procurement will be tied to domestic innovation and manufacturing.

For businesses, particularly in aerospace, cybersecurity, and critical minerals, this opens opportunities, but only if they align with federal regional development goals and can demonstrate Canadian value.

International trade: U.S. countermeasures and trade tensions

As the August 1st tariff deadline looms, Canada’s trade stance with the U.S. is hardening. Prime Minister Carney downplayed expectations for a deal before then, and while Ontario’s Premier Ford advocated for retaliation, others urged caution to protect domestic sectors.

Expect continued unpredictability in trade with the U.S., especially in sectors like agriculture and advanced manufacturing. The U.S.-Japan deal was a focal point, prompting renewed calls for Canada to demand reciprocity and expand into other markets, especially in energy exports and emerging technologies.

Internal trade and labour mobility: Provinces take the lead

Internal trade and labour mobility moved to the forefront at the premiers-only meeting, signalling a shift in how provinces approach economic resilience. Premier Ford pledged to issue provincial work permits under Section 95 of the Constitution, with an initial focus on healthcare workers. Quebec Premier Legault went further, committing to legislation this fall to eliminate all interprovincial trade barriers.

This is a significant shift. Businesses that operate across provinces, particularly in regulated sectors, should track these changes closely. Labour mobility improvements could reshape hiring, credentialing, and service delivery in health, construction, and professional services.

Looking ahead

Minister Dominic LeBlanc and the Carney government continues negotiations with U.S. officials ahead of the tariff deadline. At the same time, federal efforts to select and prioritize major projects are accelerating.

With a fall budget on the horizon and departments undergoing active spending reviews, the competition for federal dollars is increasing. Regulatory alignment, economic impact, and political visibility will all influence which projects and partnerships rise to the top.

For the business community, now is the time to engage. Identify where your interests align with federal and provincial goals, anticipate where political fault lines could slow progress, and make the case for your role in building a more united, resilient Canada.

NATIONAL’s multi-disciplinary team of public affairs and strategic communications experts across the country are available to help you navigate the implications and position you for success. Learn more about our Public Affairs and Government Relations services here.