The Honourable Steven MacKinnon, Dominic LeBlanc, and Patty Hajdu will introduce legislation aimed at strengthening Canada's economic resilience and competitiveness. The ministers are scheduled to hold a joint press conference on Monday, September 21, 2026.

The announcement focuses on creating certainty for a more independent Canadian economy. The press conference will take place at 4:30 pm in the Foyer of the House of Commons in Ottawa.

Event Details

Prior to the main event, accredited members of the Press Gallery may attend an embargoed technical briefing. This session is scheduled for 3:30 pm at the National Press Theatre in the Wellington Building. Participation is available both in person and via Zoom.

Ministerial Roles

Steven MacKinnon serves as Minister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons. Dominic LeBlanc holds the portfolio as President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade. Patty Hajdu is the Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister Responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario.

Media Access

The technical briefing is restricted to background information only. Materials provided during this session remain under embargo until the start of the ministerial press conference. Non-accredited media must contact pressres2@parl.gc.ca to request temporary access.

French President Emmanuel Macron traveled to Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon on September 19, 2026, to meet Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. The visit marks the first by a French president since Francois Hollande’s 2014 trip.

The meeting occurs against a backdrop of heightened geopolitical tension, following US President Donald Trump’s social media post depicting Canada under the American flag. Eric Trump later shared a similar image, stating, “We now have Canada surrounded.”

Diplomatic Context and Sovereignty

A French presidency official stated that the visit underscores France’s sovereignty and its “geostrategic presence in the North Atlantic, at the doorstep of the United States and the Arctic.” The official highlighted maritime sovereignty and climate adaptation as key themes.

The timing is symbolic, coming weeks after Trump shared a map labeled “United States of America” covering the US, Canada, Greenland, Iceland, Mexico, and the Caribbean.

Canada-EU Relations and Trade Tensions

Macron and Carney are expected to discuss the energy crisis and Canada’s deepening relationship with the European Union. The EU recently proposed opening the door for Canada to become its first associate member.

Trump criticized this proposal, threatening higher tariffs on European goods if it proceeds. Carney rejected the pressure, telling reporters, “nobody is going to tell us” with whom Canada can strike agreements.

Carney clarified that Canada does not seek full EU membership but aims for a “unique alliance” based on shared priorities. More than a decade after the EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), 10 EU member states, including France, have yet to ratify the deal.

Trade War Backdrop

The diplomatic engagement follows escalating trade tensions between Washington and Ottawa. The dispute traces back to Washington’s 50% tariffs on $27.6 billion of Canadian goods, with Ottawa matching them dollar for dollar.

Macron’s visit precedes his appearance at the U.N. General Assembly this week.