Quebec Premier François Legault on Sunday urged Canadian provinces and U.S. states to strengthen collaboration amid growing uncertainty in bilateral trade. Speaking at the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors and Premiers Leadership Summit, Legault called for a clear long-term vision for Canada-U.S. relations.

“The big elephant in the room is the uncertainty about the relationship between Canada and the United States. We need to know where we’ll be in one year, two years, four years, even ten years,” Legault said.

The biennial summit, held this year in Quebec City, brought together leaders from eight U.S. states and Ontario. It marks the group’s first meeting since Donald Trump returned to the White House.

Tariffs were a major point of concern, with Legault emphasizing their negative impact on both countries. He also highlighted strategic areas requiring coordinated action, including defence spending, critical minerals, the digital economy, and artificial intelligence. Legault suggested Canada and Quebec may need to diversify trade to reduce dependence on the United States.

Despite challenges, Legault stressed the long-term interdependence of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence region. “Geography will not change. Beyond temporary upheavals, the only way forward is to strengthen our ties and collaboration,” he said.

The premier also addressed Canada’s upcoming renegotiation of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (CUSMA), set for review next July. Legault reiterated that dairy supply management remains non-negotiable, defending policies that control production and imports to stabilize prices—policies long opposed by U.S. farmers.

Legault additionally underscored the protection of the French language. “Labels on products must be bilingual. I know Mr. Trump doesn’t like that, but we need that,” he said.

The summit will conclude on Monday with a news conference featuring Legault and Ontario Premier Doug Ford, who did not attend Sunday’s sessions.