Canada's premiers emphasize unity against Donald Trump during 'uncertain times in Ottawa'

Canada's premiers say it's critical that provinces and territories work together to address Donald Trump's looming tariff during "uncertain times in Ottawa" — acknowledging Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland's abrupt cabinet resignation Monday morning.

All 13 premiers were meeting in Toronto when Freeland dropped the bombshell announcement that she would resign from Trudeau's cabinet — hours before she was expected to deliver the much-anticipated fall economic statement.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford, who chairs the Council of the Federation, told reporters that he and other premiers spoke with Freeland and thanked her for her service.

"We have a great relationship with her," Ford said. "I want to wish her all the best."

Freeland's resignation raises questions about Canada's approach to the U.S. president-elect's threat to impose a 25 per cent tariff on Canadian goods. The former finance minister chaired a cabinet committee on Canada-U.S. relations.

WATCH | Doug Ford says he wasn't aware Freeland planned to resign as finance minister: 

Doug Ford says he wasn't aware Chrystia Freeland planned to resign as finance minister

6 days ago

Duration 6:03

Ottawa is grappling with a political bombshell after Chrystia Freeland resigned as finance minister from Justin Trudeau's cabinet on Monday. CBC’s Lorenda Reddekopp has the latest details — and reaction.

Ford said that all the premiers "will remain united as Team Canada to provide steady and stable leadership during these uncertain times in Ottawa."

The Ontario premier said the council agreed to lead a premiers' mission to Washington in February to meet with key U.S. lawmakers and cabinet officials once Trump's administration is sworn in.

When asked if he has confidence in a Trudeau government potentially leading Canada into a trade war with the U.S., Ford said that premiers are "ready and we'll rise up to the occasion, I can promise you that."

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said premiers offer "continuity" and can maintain pressure on American lawmakers to get the United States to back off the tariff threat.

"We can't afford to lose momentum," Smith said. "If our collective goal is to avoid tariffs, we're only a month out from that."

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe said the importance of the premiers' table "today, given where our nation is, I think could never be more overstated.

"It is so very important for us to come together."

Ontario not backing off idea of retaliatory tariffs

Ford made waves last week when he threatened withholding energy exports to the U.S. if Trump levels the tariff. At the time, the Ontario premier said his province sends electricity to power 1.5 million homes in U.S. states like Michigan, Minnesota and New York.

Alberta officials pushed back on the idea at the time and said they wouldn't support any tariffs on oil and gas heading south, instead urging diplomacy.

Ford was asked by reporters after the council meeting if he would back away from his idea of retaliatory tariffs. In response, he said Ontario "isn't backing away whatsoever."

"Each jurisdiction has their different needs and concerns, I understand that," Ford said. "But as a country, we can't be rolled over. We have to stand up and protect Canadians."

A statement released after the council's meeting said that "premiers agree the priority is to act to avoid tariffs."

The statement did not mention retaliatory tariffs, but noted that "the imposition of tariffs by the U.S. would be a significant failure on the part of the Government of Canada."

The premiers are also urging Ottawa to accelerate reaching the NATO defence spending target of two per cent of GDP — which Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Canada is on track to meet by 2032.