
In an era when political division often seems to dominate headlines, Prime Minister Mark Carney’s recent meeting with Canada’s premiers in Saskatoon was a refreshing and promising sign that nation-building is back on the federal agenda.
From Ontario to Alberta, New Brunswick to Saskatchewan, the tone emerging from the First Ministers’ Meeting was strikingly positive. Leaders who have long stood at odds with Ottawa, including Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe, expressed rare optimism.

“This has been the best meeting we’ve had in 10 years,” declared Ontario Premier Doug Ford, describing Carney as “Santa Claus” for his openness to the provinces’ ambitious project proposals.
Carney’s leadership style, grounded in collaboration, clarity, and economic foresight, is proving to be a unifying force across provincial lines. His commitment to fast-tracking “nation-building projects” through forthcoming legislation signals a turning point in how Canada addresses infrastructure, energy, trade, and resource development. By keeping the project list “a living list,” Carney has left the door open for innovation while maintaining high standards for environmental and economic sustainability.
Crucially, Carney is threading the needle between economic growth and climate responsibility. His remarks supporting “decarbonized barrels” of oil suggest a pragmatic approach to Canada’s resource economy: one that doesn’t ignore our natural wealth but insists on doing better with it. This vision of a “grand bargain,” as Premier Smith aptly put it, brings provinces like Alberta and Saskatchewan into meaningful dialogue rather than conflict with federal policy.

Western alienation, a thorn in the side of national unity for decades, may finally be addressed not with platitudes but with policy. Both Moe and Smith acknowledged the change in tone and substance under Carney’s leadership. That alone is a milestone. But more than tone, it is Carney’s willingness to listen, adapt, and act quickly that has created new optimism across the political spectrum.
Of course, some areas of contention remain, such as the proposed pipeline through northern B.C. and First Nations’ concerns over consultation processes related to new legislation. These concerns are real and must not be dismissed. However, Carney has shown himself capable of nuance. His administration must now work closely with Indigenous leaders to ensure that consultation is not only adequate but meaningful and ongoing.
A prosperous and united Canada cannot be built without trust, between provinces, between governments, and with Indigenous Peoples. Mark Carney is off to a strong start in rebuilding that trust.
The progress made in Saskatoon is not just about pipelines or trade deals, it’s about a federal government willing to listen and provinces ready to work together.
As premiers from across the country left that room smiling and hopeful, Canadians should take note: this is what leadership looks like. Mark Carney has not just set a new tone, he has set a new course. And it’s one worth supporting.
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Anthony Joseph is the publisher of The Caribbean Camera newspaper. He writes on politics, culture, and the intersection of race and democracy in Canada.