Governor Hochul delivers powerful remarks at 2025 Leadership Summit of Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors and Premiers to strengthen cross-border cooperation

New York – In a renewed push to fortify regional partnerships amid growing federal uncertainty, New York Governor Kathy Hochul reaffirmed her state’s commitment to cross-border cooperation during the 2025 Leadership Summit of the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors & Premiers. Speaking before an audience of regional leaders, business representatives, and policymakers, Hochul emphasized that New York’s connection with Canada remains vital not only for trade but for the shared prosperity of both sides of the border.

The summit, held against the backdrop of a federal government shutdown and continued dysfunction in Washington, served as a crucial platform for dialogue between U.S. states and Canadian provinces. Governor Hochul and Québec Premier François Legault used the gathering to announce a formal ‘Declaration of Intent’, underscoring their joint desire to strengthen the historic and strategic relationship between New York and Québec.

The declaration outlines plans to enhance collaboration in key sectors including environmental protection, renewable energy, economic development, innovation, and research. Both leaders spoke passionately about the enduring bond between their governments, emphasizing that local and regional partnerships have become increasingly important in light of national political instability.

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In her remarks, Governor Hochul acknowledged recent strains in U.S.-Canada relations, particularly those affecting trade and border crossings. “We’ve done so much together. And I know that there’s been a sense of betrayal because I’ve spent a lot of time in Canada and its proud people. So I understand it’s had a ripple effect on how people have been behaving. Not just companies and governments, but just individuals. 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,” Hochul said.

She went on to highlight the urgent need to reverse this trend and revitalize the flow of commerce and travel between the two regions. “We need to continue finding a path to change that dynamic. And it has had a negative effect on trade. We’ve got our largest trading partner in Canada. New York shares over 400 mile border with Ontario and Québec, something that we think is really special. The opportunities that we’ve had to do so much together. So I’m committed as Governor to restoring our previous relationship to perhaps January 19th. Let’s call it Project January 19 and get that over the line,” she added.

Governor Hochul’s remarks were met with warm applause from attendees, many of whom echoed her concerns about the decline in cross-border economic activity. Trade between New York and Canada traditionally supports tens of thousands of jobs and generates billions in annual revenue. Any disruption in that partnership, experts warn, could have long-term economic consequences for both sides.

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Throughout the summit, Hochul stressed the importance of local leadership stepping up when federal channels falter. She pointed to the longstanding spirit of cooperation that has historically defined relations between New York and its northern neighbors, describing the new agreement as both a symbolic and practical step toward rebuilding trust.

Premier Legault praised Hochul’s initiative and reaffirmed Québec’s commitment to joint projects that promote innovation and sustainability. Discussions during the summit also touched on clean energy infrastructure, climate resilience, and advancing research partnerships that benefit both economies.

As the summit concluded, participants expressed optimism that this renewed cooperation would pave the way for concrete results in the months ahead. For Governor Hochul, the message was clear — even as federal politics grow unpredictable, regional collaboration remains a steady bridge between nations that share not only a border but a deep, interwoven future.