Premier Lantz to host the Council of the Federation Meeting in Prince Edward Island
Statement by Premier Rob Lantz on hosting Canada’s Premiers in Prince Edward Island for the annual summer meeting:
“I am proud to welcome Canada’s premiers to Prince Edward Island for the 2026 Council of the Federation (COF) Summer Meeting.
Canadians expect their governments to work together, especially at times like these. The recent announcement of new U.S. tariffs is a reminder that the decisions made beyond our borders have real impacts on Canadian workers, businesses and families. It also reinforces the importance of provinces and the federal government working together to protect Canada’s interests and strengthen our economy.
These meetings are an opportunity to come together, identify common priorities and focus on practical solutions that will make a difference for all Canadians. This is a significant time in our country. Canadians are frustrated with increasing costs, and want to see their leaders working together to address their concerns.
This week I have two jobs. As Chair, I will facilitate important conversations on topics such as trade, affordability, health care, energy security, public safety, and economic development. My role will be to help find consensus so Canadians will see progress from coast to coast to coast.
However as Premier, my responsibility is to make sure Islanders’ priorities are part of the national conversation. National policies and federal investments must recognize the realities of smaller provinces and territories.
The priorities of Islanders are clear. First and foremost, they are concerned about affordability.
Islanders are feeling the pressure of higher costs. The Government of Prince Edward Island is investing in practical measures that make a difference – $10-a-day childcare, the new Island Essentials Benefit, new housing supports, and investments in the school food program. Those are meaningful savings for Islanders, but affordability remains a top priority and there is more work to do.
Islanders also want better access to high-quality health care services. We are transforming primary care on Prince Edward Island with record investments in recruiting and retaining health professionals to improve access to care. However, provinces and territories cannot meet the growing health care needs of Canadians alone. We need a strong federal funding partner that provides predictable, long-term funding and recognizes the unique realities of delivering health care in smaller provinces
Energy security is essential to prosperity for Prince Edward Island. In short, PEI needs more energy and a new subsea cable is the first step to long term sustainability. We are seeking a commitment on this project during the meetings this week.
Charlottetown is the birthplace of Confederation. It is also the birthplace of the Council of the Federation. We hope Canadians see the same spirit of cooperation that has always been part of this Island. Islanders are the best hosts in the world, and we’re happy to welcome Canada’s leaders to our door. It seems that important things get done when Canada’s First Ministers put their heads together on PEI. I am looking forward to some good conversations with my colleagues, some hard work and offering our famous Island hospitality to Canada’s first ministers.”
Media contact:
Emily Blue
Office of the Premier
emilyblue@gov.pe.ca