Canada’s first ministers agreed to accelerate major infrastructure projects and remove interprovincial trade barriers during their first Saskatchewan meeting in over 40 years, with new commitments to render federal project assessments within two years and expand labour mobility across provinces.
Prime Minister Mark Carney and provincial and territorial leaders met in Saskatoon on Monday to address economic competitiveness concerns, including lengthy project approval timelines that have hampered development of critical infrastructure like pipelines, nuclear facilities and electricity transmission systems.
The meeting produced commitments to implement a “one project, one review” system aimed at eliminating duplicated assessments between different levels of government while maintaining environmental standards and Indigenous consultation requirements.
Two-year federal assessment timeline
All federal project assessment decisions will be completed within two years, beginning with projects deemed to be of national interest, according to the joint statement released following the meeting.
Projects meeting national interest criteria must strengthen Canada’s autonomy and security, offer clear economic benefits, demonstrate high execution probability, align with Indigenous priorities and include clean growth potential through sustainable technologies and practices.
The reforms represent the first step in overhauling Canada’s project assessment process, which first ministers described as necessary for the country to achieve the strongest G7 economy and become a global energy superpower.
Labour mobility and trade barrier removal
First ministers directed the Committee on Internal Trade to complete a comprehensive Mutual Recognition Agreement covering consumer goods by December 2025, building on recent progress in removing interprovincial barriers.
The agreement will enable multilateral recognition of standards and credentials while respecting Quebec’s distinct requirements. Transport ministers received instructions to rapidly expand trucking pilot programs that facilitate cross-border movement of goods and services.
A new 30-day service standard for pan-Canadian credential recognition will help address labour shortages by enabling faster professional licensing transfers between provinces.
International trade challenges
The meeting addressed ongoing trade disputes with major partners, including unjustified American tariffs on Canadian products such as softwood lumber. First ministers emphasized the need for coordinated efforts to establish more stable trade relationships with the United States.
Federal officials committed to working urgently on removing Chinese tariffs affecting Canadian agriculture and seafood exports. The leaders stressed the importance of high-level engagement with China to improve overall trade relationships while exploring market diversification opportunities.
Arctic infrastructure investment
Northern and Arctic communities will receive increased investment in dual-use infrastructure projects designed to address sovereignty concerns while meeting local needs and unlocking economic potential.
Indigenous equity and participation will be central to these developments, which aim to advance national energy independence and improve defence capabilities to meet international spending commitments.
Criminal justice and public safety
First ministers acknowledged the need for bail and sentencing reforms to support law enforcement and address court delays. They directed federal-provincial-territorial attorneys general and justice ministers to develop an action plan for safer communities.
The plan will address the toxic illegal drug supply crisis, including efforts to dismantle fentanyl trafficking networks and review risk assessments for repeat offenders, particularly those involved in intimate partner violence and gender-based crimes.
Wildfire support commitment
Leaders expressed concern about ongoing wildfire situations across Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta, pledging continued assistance to affected provinces, territories and Indigenous communities.
Regular first ministers meetings will continue to address shared priorities affecting Canada’s security and economic resilience across all regions.
