Charlottetown, July 25 -- Canada's first ministers agreed on Tuesday to accelerate electricity infrastructure projects, reduce internal trade barriers and reform carbon markets as they presented a united front against escalating U.S. trade actions.

The leaders said Canada remained ready to engage with Washington while continuing efforts to protect Canadian workers, businesses and farmers.

An initial group of projects is expected to begin by the end of 2027, with all projects targeted to be underway by the end of 2028, subject to market conditions and Indigenous engagement.

The commitments align with the federal government's recently released National Electricity Strategy, which aims to double Canada's electricity grid capacity by 2050 ...