### Tensions Rise as Carney Prepares for First Ministers Meeting Amidst U.S. Trade Concerns - Prime Minister Mark Carney recently met with U.S. President Donald Trump, discussing critical issues affecting Canada-U.S. relations. Following this meeting, Carney briefed Canada's premiers on the outcomes and agreed to convene a first ministers meeting in Saskatchewan on June 1-2, 2025. This meeting comes at a time of heightened tensions, particularly with western provinces expressing frustrations towards the federal government and concerns over a potential trade war with the U.S. [https://ca.news.yahoo.com/carney-briefs-premiers-trump-agrees-013144491.html]. ### Structure of the Upcoming First Ministers Meeting 1. **Context of the Meeting**: - The meeting is set against a backdrop of rising tensions between the federal government and western provinces, particularly Alberta and Saskatchewan, where leaders have voiced dissatisfaction with Ottawa's policies [https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/carney-premiers-saskatchewan-1.7528852]. 2. **Key Participants**: - Prime Minister Mark Carney and provincial premiers, including Ontario's Doug Ford and Alberta's Danielle Smith, will be present. Ford has urged Carney to "show some love" to the western provinces [https://www.thestar.com/politics/federal/mark-carney-to-meet-with-premiers-in-saskatchewan-as-doug-ford-tells-him-to-show/article_9e3a51eb-d38f-43b3-9597-2bbe799e94a4.html]. 3. **Objectives of the Meeting**: - The primary goal is to address national unity and trade issues, particularly in light of the recent discussions with Trump regarding trade relations [https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-carney-meets-premiers-national-unity-next-six-weeks]. 4. **Potential Outcomes**: - Discussions may lead to strategies for improving relations between the federal government and western provinces, as well as addressing the looming threat of Alberta's potential secession [https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/video-carney-canadas-premiers-to-gather-for-meetings-in-saskatchewan-in-june]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Recent Developments**: - Carney's meeting with Trump was described as seemingly successful, yet he acknowledged that "there's more work to do" in terms of addressing the concerns of the provinces [https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/carney-says-theres-more-work-to-do-after-meeting-with-trump.article_b03e38de-58ad-5c49-9d5c-bbc04b4a43df.html]. - **Public Sentiment**: - Premier Doug Ford's comments reflect a growing sentiment among western leaders that they feel neglected by the federal government, which could impact national unity [https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-carney-meets-premiers-national-unity-next-six-weeks]. ### Summary of Findings 1. **Background**: Prime Minister Carney's upcoming meeting with the premiers is crucial for addressing rising tensions between the federal government and western provinces, particularly in light of trade issues with the U.S. [https://ca.news.yahoo.com/carney-briefs-premiers-trump-agrees-013144491.html]. 2. **Meeting Structure**: The meeting will involve key provincial leaders and aims to foster dialogue on national unity and trade relations [https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/carney-premiers-saskatchewan-1.7528852]. 3. **Objectives and Potential Outcomes**: The discussions are expected to focus on improving relations and addressing the concerns of western provinces, which have expressed feelings of alienation [https://www.thestar.com/politics/federal/mark-carney-to-meet-with-premiers-in-saskatchewan-as-doug-ford-tells-him-to-show/article_9e3a51eb-d38f-43b3-9597-2bbe799e94a4.html]. 4. **Conclusion**: The first ministers meeting in Saskatchewan represents a critical opportunity for the federal government to mend relations with the provinces and address pressing national issues, particularly in the context of trade and unity [https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-carney-meets-premiers-national-unity-next-six-weeks].