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Or sign-in if you have an account.Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, smiles as takes his seat after arriving at the First Ministers meeting in Charlottetown, PEI Thursday July 23, 2026. TIM KROCHAK PHOTOCHARLOTTETOWN — Prime Minister Mark Carney’s comments Thursday that the response to the “threat” of U.S. antagonism to Canada is “unity” among the regions were backed by several premiers at the first minister’s meeting in Charlottetown.Enjoy the latest local, national and international news.Exclusive articles by Conrad Black, Barbara Kay and others. Plus, special edition NP Platformed and First Reading newsletters and virtual events.Unlimited online access to National Post.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.Support local journalism.Enjoy the latest local, national and international news.Exclusive articles by Conrad Black, Barbara Kay and others. Plus, special edition NP Platformed and First Reading newsletters and virtual events.Unlimited online access to National Post.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.Support local journalism.Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one accountShare your thoughts and join the conversation in the commentsEnjoy additional articles per monthGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorCarney made the remarks as he joined the premiers in the conference that began Tuesday. On Monday, the Trump administration announced new 50 per cent tariffs on targeted Canadian imports, ostensibly in retaliation over barriers in Canada, including tariffs on U.S. autos and provincial alcohol boycotts. Dominic A. LeBlanc, Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade, Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Internal Trade fills a glass of water for Prime Minister Mark Carney as he gives his remarks to start a First Ministers meeting in Charlottetown, PEI Thursday July 23, 2026.TIM KROCHAK PHOTOThe recent U.S. trade actions are “unilateral (and) unwarranted,” Carney said Thursday.“We know in our bones today, that our unity is our greatest strength,” he said, comparing the moment to the push for Confederation that began in 1864 as a bulwark against American expansionism. He said it’s “clear that we are in a stronger position than we were when this trade war started 18 months ago.”Ontario Premier Doug Ford told reporters he was counting on Ottawa to manage the situation. Ontario Premier Doug Ford arrives for a meeting at a Charlottetown Hotel during Canada’s Premiers 2026 in Charlottetown, PEI Tuesday July 21, 2026. Photo by TIM KROCHAK“It’s a Team Canada approach led by the prime minister, and that’s what we’re going to focus on,” Ford said. “We’ll take his lead, and we all have to be united.”“You know, it’s very hard to deal with President Trump when he changes his mind every single day,” Ford said. “One day, the prime minister is with him side by side, and next thing you know, President (Donald) Trump turns on him like a rabid dog.”He said he expects a response soon to the latest tariffs, which follow several other trade actions against Canada from the White House over the last year. Ford said earlier this week that he thinks Canada “need(s) to be on the offence” against the Trump administration, and has raised again his preference for blocking energy and potash exports to the U.S.“I don’t expect to strike today, but hopefully, in the next two weeks,” Ford said Thursday. He said his province is willing to put “everything on the table” in response to the latest tariff threat. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, shakes hands with Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe as he arrived for a First Ministers meeting in Charlottetown, PEI Thursday July 23, 2026. Looking on is RJ Simpson, Premier of the Northwest Territories.TIM KROCHAK PHOTOSaskatchewan Premier Scott Moe, who has suggested a less combative approach with the U.S. in reaching a final trade agreement, nevertheless expressed support for the call for unity among the provinces and Ottawa.“Both Doug and I agree wholeheartedly on that,” Moe told reporters.Carney named “nation-building projects” as an example of why he believes Canada has gotten stronger in the face of U.S. trade aggression. He mentioned the announcement this morning that the federal government is providing $5.9 million for planning work to support a new undersea electricity cable project between New Brunswick and P.E.I.“New Brunswick is the Maritimes’ energy hub,” said New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt. Her province’s investment in nuclear energy has led to her province being a major energy provider to the Maritimes.National Post slewis@postmedia.comOur website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark nationalpost.com and sign up for our daily newsletter, Posted, here. Join the Conversation This website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. Read more about cookies here. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.