Premiers Focused on Actions to Support Economic Growth and Opportunities
WINNIPEG, July 12, 2023 – Canada’s Premiers concluded their annual summer meeting with a discussion of key economic priorities to support future growth and prosperity.
Seizing the economic opportunities of the future is a focus for all Premiers. This includes supporting environmental stewardship along with economic growth and competitiveness to sustainably build the economy now, and for the next generations.
Key priorities discussed today by Premiers include:
- competitiveness, Canada-United States relations and trade;
- strategic infrastructure;
- energy security and critical minerals; and
- sustainable development and climate action.
Premiers are addressing these issues in cooperation with key partners. Premiers call upon the Prime Minister to convene a First Ministers’ Meeting dedicated to the linked priorities of competitiveness and strategic infrastructure.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston assumed the Chair of the Council of the Federation. Nova Scotia will host the summer meeting of Canada’s Premiers on July 15 – 17, 2024.
Competitiveness and Strategic Infrastructure
Supporting Canada’s strategic infrastructure and our ongoing competitiveness in the global economy, while increasing international trade opportunities, is critical for the economic prosperity of all provinces and territories. Strategic infrastructure includes community, economic, and competitive infrastructure.
Trade corridor infrastructure is critical to enhance and secure the vital supply chains, transportation networks, and market access needed to maximize our economic potential and prosperity. Premiers endorse the principles set out in the Canada Trade Infrastructure Plan proposed by a coalition including the Business Council of Canada, Canadian Chamber of Commerce, Canada West Foundation, Canadian Construction Association, Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters, Civil Infrastructure Council Corporation, and the Western Canada Roadbuilders and Heavy Construction Association.
Premiers are committed to ongoing coordinated efforts to achieve Canada’s full economic potential, including:
- a regulatory environment favourable to attracting increased foreign investment;
- continued efforts to maximize opportunities for open and fair internal and international trade through existing trade mechanisms, such as Canadian Free Trade Agreement, Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement, and Canada’s other free trade agreements; and
- increased diversification of international markets for Canada’s goods and services, including expanding opportunities in the Indo-Pacific region and Europe, building on Canada’s economic, cultural, education, and tourism ties to the regions.
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