In a significant display of interprovincial cooperation, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Ontario Premier Doug Ford formalized their provinces’ economic partnership Monday, signing multiple agreements aimed at strengthening ties between Canada’s largest and fourth-largest economies.
The landmark meeting in Calgary marks a deliberate effort to establish what the premiers described as a “provincial alliance” focused on economic development, regulatory alignment, and mutual support amid ongoing tensions with the federal government.
“This partnership represents more than just words on paper—it’s about creating tangible opportunities for Albertans and Ontarians alike,” Premier Smith told reporters at the McDougall Centre in downtown Calgary. “When provinces collaborate directly, we can move at the speed of business rather than being held back by Ottawa’s bureaucracy.”
The agreements address several key areas of cooperation, including energy development, critical minerals, healthcare innovation, and skilled workforce mobility. A central component involves reducing interprovincial trade barriers that have historically complicated business operations across provincial boundaries.
Premier Ford, whose government has frequently aligned with Alberta on issues of provincial autonomy, emphasized the economic potential of the partnership.
“Between our two provinces, we represent nearly 50 percent of Canada’s GDP and over 20 million Canadians,” Ford noted. “When Alberta and Ontario work together, we create an economic powerhouse that benefits not just our provinces, but the entire country.”
The timing of this interprovincial agreement comes as both premiers have openly challenged federal policies on carbon pricing, resource development, and healthcare funding. Political analysts suggest this alliance represents a strategic counterbalance to federal authority.
Dr. Melissa Chen, political science professor at the University of Calgary, believes the agreement signals a shift in Canadian federalism. “We’re witnessing the emergence of more formalized provincial blocs that can collectively advance regional interests when they feel federal policies don’t adequately address their economic priorities,” she explained in an interview with CO24 Politics.
The agreement’s energy provisions particularly focus on developing critical mineral supply chains essential for electric vehicle battery production—connecting Alberta’s resource extraction capabilities with Ontario’s manufacturing sector. This alignment comes as both provinces seek to position themselves competitively in the emerging green economy while maintaining support for traditional energy industries.
Business leaders from both provinces attended the signing ceremony, with the Canadian Chamber of Commerce expressing support for measures that would streamline interprovincial commerce. “Reducing regulatory differences between provinces has been a long-standing priority for businesses operating across Canada,” said Chamber President Sarah Thornton in a statement to CO24 Business.
Not all reactions have been positive, however. Environmental groups have expressed concern that the agreement might undermine climate initiatives, while federal officials have quietly questioned whether certain provisions encroach on federal jurisdiction.
The healthcare component of the agreement focuses on medical credential recognition, allowing healthcare professionals to move more easily between the provinces—a response to staffing shortages plaguing both healthcare systems. The premiers also committed to sharing best practices in healthcare delivery and technology implementation.
As implementation begins, questions remain about how these agreements will translate into practical changes for residents and businesses in both provinces. Will this interprovincial cooperation model expand to include other provinces, potentially reshaping Canadian federalism for decades to come?
