# Quebec and Ontario Leaders Hold Productive First Meeting in Toronto Paul St-Pierre Plamondon and Doug Ford discuss economic cooperation and interprovincial trade barriers. - **Source:** [La Presse](https://www.lapresse.ca) - **Published:** 2026-11-07 - **Topic:** [politics](https://brifing.si/c/politics) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/350f524c-b187-4535-9d79-0814dbbccaf2 ## Initial Diplomatic Engagement Quebec leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon and Ontario Premier Doug Ford held their first official meeting this Friday at Queen’s Park in Toronto. Both politicians described the encounter as productive and positive. This meeting marks a significant shift in tone, following previous public disagreements regarding the potential for a future sovereignist government in Quebec. ## Economic Collaboration Focus The discussion centered primarily on strengthening the economic relationship between Canada’s two most populous provinces. Both leaders emphasized the importance of working together to navigate complex international trade dynamics. They specifically addressed the need to protect workers, attract new investments, and foster job creation across their respective industrial and service sectors. ## Addressing Trade Barriers A key agenda item involved identifying and removing existing barriers to interprovincial trade. By streamlining regulations, the provinces aim to enhance the efficiency of their combined markets. This cooperation is viewed as essential for maintaining competitiveness, especially when facing external pressures like potential new tariffs or shifts in global economic policy affecting North America. ## Infrastructure and Policy Agenda Beyond trade, the leaders explored specific infrastructure and social policy initiatives. The conversation included the Alto high-speed rail project, which aims to improve connectivity between the regions. They also touched upon critical administrative issues, including federal health transfers and immigration policies, which remain central to the governance of both Quebec and Ontario. ## Combined Market Potential Premier Ford highlighted the immense scale of the two provinces, which together house over 25 million residents. He noted that their combined territory is larger than half of the United States, providing a massive platform for economic growth. Leveraging this geographic and demographic size is a primary goal for their future collaborative efforts. ## Shifting Political Relations The meeting represents a notable thaw in relations between the two leaders. Only months ago, Ford had publicly criticized the prospect of a Parti Québécois government, labeling it a potential disaster. However, recent statements indicate a more pragmatic approach, with both sides prioritizing shared economic interests over past ideological or political friction. ## Strategic Economic Alignment The shift toward cooperation follows an October press conference where Ford expressed a clear desire to discuss economic development strategies with St-Pierre Plamondon. By focusing on shared prosperity, the leaders are attempting to insulate their provincial economies from broader uncertainties. This alignment is intended to create a unified front for future negotiations. ## Future Policy Implications This meeting sets a foundation for ongoing dialogue between Quebec and Ontario. While specific policy outcomes were not immediately finalized, the commitment to regular communication suggests a new phase of interprovincial coordination. Observers will now watch for concrete legislative steps taken by both governments to implement the collaborative goals discussed in Toronto. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.lapresse.ca/actualites/politique/2026-11-06/paul-st-pierre-plamondon-et-doug-ford-ont-eu-une-premiere-rencontre-productive.php?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=fil&utm_campaign=actualites — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._