Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to host a virtual meeting with Canada’s provincial premiers on Thursday, the first of its kind since his announcement of an energy-focused memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Alberta. This MOU has faced significant backlash, notably from British Columbia. Despite the controversy, Carney’s office has confirmed that the meeting will proceed, although the full agenda remains to be finalized.

Carney’s Energy MOU with Alberta

On November 27, Carney, together with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, unveiled an extensive MOU that primarily centered on energy. This agreement led to Ottawa’s decision to relinquish some of its flagship climate initiatives, while it also established prerequisites for the possible erection of a new oil pipeline to the West Coast. The Liberal government has endorsed the deal, citing Alberta’s significant environmental commitments, such as bolstering its industrial carbon price.

Backlash to the Energy Deal

Despite the government’s promotion, the MOU has not been without its critics. Steven Guilbeault, a longtime environmentalist, resigned from his cabinet position in protest to the agreement. British Columbia Premier David Eby also voiced his concerns, arguing that his province should have been included in the pipeline discussions from the start, given that it would run through his jurisdiction.

Eby has expressed grave concerns about the potential impact of the pipeline project on his province’s economy and job market. He cautions that the proposed pipeline, potentially involving the lifting of a northwest tanker ban, could put at risk a whopping $1.7-billion in economic activity and thousands of jobs.

Expectations for Thursday’s Meeting

Ontario Premier Doug Ford is scheduled to be in Ottawa on Thursday and plans to attend the meeting in person, according to his spokesperson Grace Lee. Meanwhile, New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt will participate virtually, with her spokeswoman Katie Beers indicating that Holt is anticipating an update on the ongoing softwood lumber negotiations.

This upcoming meeting, with its focus on Carney’s contentious energy MOU with Alberta, is sure to be closely watched by political and environmental stakeholders across the country. Regardless of the outcome, it underscores the critical importance of open dialogue and collaboration in tackling complex national issues.

Ethan Radcliffe

Ethan Radcliffe is a senior reporter and digital editor at The Toronto Insider, specializing in Canadian federal policy, GTA urban development, and national economic trends. With over a decade of experience in North American journalism, Ethan focuses on translating complex legislative and economic developments into clear, accessible reporting for Canadian readers. Ethan’s work emphasizes policy analysis, government accountability, and data-driven reporting, with a strong focus on how federal and provincial decisions impact communities across the Greater Toronto Area and beyond. He has covered infrastructure planning, housing policy, fiscal strategy, and regulatory changes affecting Canadian households and businesses. A graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University’s School of Journalism, Ethan brings expertise in investigative reporting, long-form analysis, editorial standards, and digital publishing best practices. His reporting is guided by verifiable sources, public records, and transparent sourcing. In addition to reporting, Ethan has experience in newsroom editing, fact-checking workflows, SEO-informed journalism, and audience analytics, ensuring stories meet both editorial integrity standards and modern digital discoverability requirements. Ethan is committed to objective, fact-driven journalism and adheres to established ethical guidelines, prioritizing accuracy, clarity, and public trust in all reporting.

See Full Bio