QUEBEC CITY, CANADA – Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro attended the Great Lakes–St. Lawrence Governors and Premiers (GSGP) Leadership Summit this weekend in Quebec City to strengthen trade relationships with Canada and neighboring states across the Great Lakes region.
During the summit, Shapiro was elected chair of the organization for the next two years and highlighted the importance of reinforcing collaboration among U.S. states and Canadian provinces to boost trade, protect shared waterways, and strengthen the regional economy.
“While our nations may face challenges at the federal level, the people of our states and provinces still share deep bonds — rooted in freedom, democracy, and opportunity,” said the governor. “When we work together to grow our economies, protect our Great Lakes, and foster cross-border tourism, we all benefit.”
The GSGP brings together the governors of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, along with the premiers of Ontario and Quebec. Together, they represent more than 111 million people and one of the most economically dynamic regions in the world.
During the summit, Shapiro held bilateral meetings with Quebec Premier François Legault, Ontario Premier Doug Ford, and executives from Alstom Americas and Nova Bus — two Canadian companies with operations in Pennsylvania. Discussions focused on expanding trade, attracting foreign investment, and creating more economic opportunities for Pennsylvanians.
Canada remains Pennsylvania’s largest international trading partner, with $14.51 billion in exports and $14.21 billion in imports in 2024. This represents more than 27 percent of the state’s exports and 11 percent of its imports. Ontario and Quebec account for 86 percent of Pennsylvania’s total trade with Canada.
Tourism was also a key topic. More than half a million Canadians visited Pennsylvania in 2024, representing more than one-third of all international visitors to the Commonwealth. However, Canadian travel — particularly to Philadelphia — has declined this year amid trade tensions and shifting federal rhetoric. Shapiro reaffirmed the state’s commitment to remaining an open and welcoming destination for Canadian travelers.
The summit advanced a Regional Growth Agenda, featuring new initiatives on trade, transportation, and tourism; the launch of an agricultural innovation program; progress toward planting 250 million trees; and the expansion of the “100% Fish” initiative.
The Great Lakes–St. Lawrence Governors and Premiers organization, originally founded as the Council of Great Lakes Governors, was expanded in 2015 to include Ontario and Quebec. The last Pennsylvania governor to serve as chair was Tom Ridge (1996–2001).
