Earlier today, Governor Kathy Hochul addressed the 2025 Leadership Summit of Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors & Premiers. The summit took place following a federal government shutdown and ongoing uncertainty in Washington, D.C. Governor Hochul attended to strengthen ties, promote collaboration, and advance projects between New York and Québec.
During the event, Governor Hochul and Québec Premier François Legault signed a “Declaration of Intent” that aims to deepen the relationship between their governments. Discussions at the summit focused on expanding cooperation in areas such as environment, energy, economic development, innovation, and research.
In her remarks, Governor Hochul reflected on her decade-long participation in these summits and highlighted ongoing partnerships despite political challenges. She said: “Bonjour, good to see everyone this morning. Thank you David and a reminder, this is my 10th anniversary of attending these events and knowing that there’s turnover among Governors and certainly Premiers — I may be the longest standing person who’s been at these events and want to welcome all of you and thank particularly Premier Legault and his entire team for the incredible gracious and warm welcome.”
Governor Hochul acknowledged shared history between New York and Canadian provinces through trade, culture, and sports rivalries. She noted a decline in border crossings since early 2025 which has impacted local economies on both sides of the border. She stated: “And the numbers are showing that our border crossings have declined since January of this year, February — in a way that is not sustainable for friends to thrive and we are vested in each other’s success.”
She emphasized efforts to restore cross-border activity with what she called “Project January 19,” aiming to return relations to previous levels before recent disruptions. The governor also described business impacts from tariffs and hostile rhetoric: “Because I feel the effects of what is happening with the hostile rhetoric, the tariffs. I do roundtables with businesses in what we call the North Country… And the businesses there are feeling it.”
Hochul pointed out continued cooperation on energy projects such as the Champlain Hudson Power Express line with Hydro Québec, which will deliver renewable power to over one million homes in New York by next spring.
She also mentioned recent developments like MicroBird taking over a facility in Plattsburgh after Nova Bus’s departure—an action that preserved more than 300 jobs—and highlighted ongoing investments supporting transportation infrastructure connecting Québec with upstate New York.
On security issues at the border, Hochul said: “I’m also committed to ensuring security at the border. I’ve committed $11 million to ensuring that our border with Québec in particular and actually Ontario from Western New York are secure.” She cited concerns about migration pressures as well as human trafficking risks.
Governor Hochul affirmed New York’s intention to continue independent investment regardless of federal policies: “I will say when it comes to tourism and trade and fostering energy alliances that we as New York… we’re going to continue to operate more independently of Washington.”
She stressed opportunities for joint work on rare earth minerals important for national security interests against global competitors such as China. The governor referenced major technology investments including Empire AI—a $500 million partnership building one of America’s largest supercomputers for public benefit—and Micron’s semiconductor project near Syracuse.
Despite setbacks like a recently halted offshore wind project off Long Island due to changes in federal policy support, Hochul reaffirmed commitment to renewable energy initiatives.
Concluding her remarks, she said: “We are neighbors by geographic destiny, but we are friends by choice and we’ll continue to be friends by choice long after this era is over.”
