Council of the Federation

On December 5, 2003, Canada’s Premiers announced the creation of the Council of the Federation, a new institution for a new era in collaborative intergovernmental relations. The Council of the Federation was created by Premiers because they believe it is important for provinces and territories to play a leadership role in revitalizing the Canadian Federation and building a more constructive and cooperative federal system.

The Council of the Federation's objectives are to:

• Promote interprovincial-territorial cooperation and closer ties between members of the Council, to ultimately strengthen Canada;
• Foster meaningful relations between governments based on respect for the Constitution and recognition of the diversity within the federation;
• Show leadership on issues important to all Canadians.

The Council of the Federation meets at least twice a year. There is an annual summer conference held in the jurisdiction of the Chair, which rotates annually, and at least one other meeting at a location determined by the Council. The Council also meets via teleconference periodically throughout the year.

The 2009 Summer Conference was held August 5 - 7, 2009 in Regina, Saskatchewan.  The next summer conference of the Council of the Federation will be held in Manitoba, August 4 - 6, 2010.

For more information about the outcomes from the 2009 Council of the Federation Summer Conference, please refer to the following:

• Premiers Advance Open Trade in Canada (PDF, 30.47 KB)
• Premiers Focus on Canada's Place in the World (PDF, 15.16 KB)
• Premiers Focus on Innovation (PDF, 29.96 KB)
• Premiers to Strengthen Canada - US Relations (PDF, 16.28 KB)
• Premiers Agree on EI Reforms and Call for a Retirement Income Summit (PDF, 18.55 KB)
• Provinces and Territories Make H1N1 Preparations a Priority (PDF, 14,82 KB)
  

Other Council of the Federation Documents:

Canada's Premiers: Taking Action on Climate Change - A Report on Progress Achieved Since August 2007 (PDF, 548 KB)

Council of the Federation's Founding Agreement (PDF, 219 KB)

Reconciling the Irreconcilable: Addressing Canada's Fiscal Imbalance (PDF, 3 GB)

Looking to the Future: A Plan for Investing in Canada 's Transportation System (PDF, 2.11 MB)

Competing for Tomorrow: A Strategy for Postsecondary Education and Skills Training (PDF, 352 KB)

National Pharmaceuticals Strategy Progress Report (PDF, 1.31 MB)

Climate Change: Leading Practices by Provincial and Territorial Governments in Canada (PDF, 3.44 MB)

A Shared Vision for Energy in Canada (PDF, 2.32 MB)

Council of the Federation website