New England governors and Eastern Canadian premiers stress cross-border ties in Vermont

Governor Scott opened the press session in Vermont by saying the summit’s central message was simple: "Our relationship matters," and listed shared priorities including energy, infrastructure, manufacturing, supply chains, cybersecurity and workforce development.

The remark underscored repeated appeals across the session for continued cooperation despite political tensions at the federal level. "We can identify opportunities that benefit our people," Scott said, adding that governors and premiers have "a very important role to play in keeping those connections strong." Rob Lance, the conference co-chair, thanked Vermont for hosting and said Prince Edward Island will host the 2027 New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers Conference.

Reporters pressed leaders on concrete new initiatives. Scott said the summit reinforced long-standing strategic goals rather than producing a single new program, and he stressed that state and provincial leaders would return to regular work that could translate discussions into action. The session closed with leaders urging federal negotiators to seek comprehensive deals that reduce barriers to trade and deepen energy and infrastructure ties.