Premiers across Canada offered a range of reactions after Liberal Leader Mark Carney’s minority government election win on Monday night.
Here’s how Canada’s premiers responded:
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith congratulated Carney but warned that Alberta would not accept a continuation of past federal hostility, saying Albertans’ patience had run out.
“As Premier, I invite the Prime Minister to immediately commence working with our government to reset the relationship between Ottawa and Alberta with meaningful action rather than hollow rhetoric,” said Smith.
She added, “Albertans are proud Canadians that want this nation to be strong, prosperous, and united, but we will no longer tolerate having our industries threatened and our resources landlocked by Ottawa.”
Smith announced that her government would hold a special caucus meeting Friday to discuss Alberta’s path forward, with more announcements expected after the meeting.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford
Ontario Premier Doug Ford congratulated Carney in a lengthy statement.
He reminded Carney of his commitment to fast-track approvals for critical projects, specifically in the Ring of Fire, which took some focus during the election.
“I am calling on Prime Minister Carney to join us in supporting new nation-building infrastructure, including pipelines, highways, railways, seaports and airports, to help Canadian goods reach new customers in new markets while binding our country together and reducing our reliance on the United States,” said Ford.
He also called on Carney to implement bail reform and meet Canada’s NATO defence obligations.
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe
Moe’s response was brief, too. While congratulating Carney on his victory, Moe said that Saskatchewan voters made it clear that they voted for change.
Saskatchewan only had one riding that saw a Liberal victory, according to Elections Canada. The federal Conservatives won every other riding in the province.
“I will have more to say about this later today,” said Moe.
Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston
Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston’s congratulatory message to Carney was just two sentences long. On top of congratulating Carney, Houston emphasized that he looked forward to getting things done for his province.
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew
While Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew’s response was brief, he noted that he looked forward to working with Carney.
Like the other NDP premier, David Eby, Kinew also thanked Jagmeet Singh following his resignation.
“You led with the values we both share: fairness, justice, and compassion,” said Kinew of Singh.
British Columbia Premier David Eby
British Columbia Premier David Eby’s congratulatory message to Carney was one of the shortest.
“There is much work ahead, and I look forward to working together,” said Eby.
He also thanked Singh for his service, highlighting his work on pharmacare and dental care.
New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt
One of the few Liberal premiers, New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt congratulated Carney and all the other elected candidates from her province.
“A huge thank you to everyone who put their name on the ballot and to everyone who voted,” she said. “Your participation makes our democracy stronger.”
Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Andrew Furey
Like Holt, Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Andrew Furey congratulated Carney and every other Member of Parliament who was elected.
“A great day for a strong and united Team Canada,” said Furey. “Wishing Prime Minister Mark Carney and his team success as we work together to build a stronger, more united Canada — the true North strong and free.”
Yukon Premier Ranj Pillai
While two of Canada’s three territories’ premiers govern a party with no political affiliation comparable to the federal government, Yukon Premier Ranj Pillai governs the province under a Liberal banner.
He congratulated Carney and said that a focus on Northern priorities must remain post-election.
Quebec Premier François Legault
Legault kept his initial response brief.
“I will work with him to advance Quebec’s interests by protecting our identity and our economy against Donald Trump’s tariffs,” said Legault.
Like some other premiers, Legault said he would have more to say later in the day.
He posted a follow-up later in the day.
Legault claimed that the election proved Canadians were prioritizing the economy, evidenced by electing Carney. However, an Abacus Data poll highlighted that among Canadians 60 years and older, dealing with Trump was more important than any economic concerns. This age group was the most supportive of Liberals by a large margin, with 46 per cent of the cohort supporting the party.
Nunavut Premier P.J. Akeeagok
Nunavut Premier P.J. Akeeagok said he looked forward to his territory working with the federal government.
“I look forward to continuing working together to strengthen Canada and Nunavut, and towards advancing Inuit-led nation-building initiatives that support our security, sovereignty, and shared prosperity,” he said.
Yet to answer
The two lone premiers who have yet to say anything regarding the results of Canada’s 45th general election are Northwest Territories Premier R.J. Simpson and Prince Edward Island Premier Rob Lantz.