This Monday, the premiers of Canada’s 13 provinces and territories will meet in Toronto for a state-of-the-union discussion.

In many ways, it’s an unprecedented opportunity. Now more than ever, we need to bring this country together.

Like any big family, it’s only natural for us to have disagreements.

But at the end of the day, we must show the world a united front — because Canadians expect us to work together. We need to send the right message to businesses that gives them the certainty and confidence to invest here and create jobs.

The fact that all 13 premiers are attending the Dec. 2 meeting signals we are ready to have a collaborative discussion with the new government in Ottawa on behalf of the Canadians we serve.

We must focus on the things we all agree on — job creation, infrastructure and health care. Those shared priorities also happen to be the lion’s share of what the people elected us to do. There is more common ground to be had than not.

Of course, we can’t move forward without first recognizing there are parts of this country that are hurting. Our friends in the West and our friends in the East have real grievances. In many places, people are losing their jobs or they’re struggling to pay the bills. They believe things will get worse before they get better.

There is a pressing need to ensure economic opportunity exists for everyone right across this country. That means taking a hard look at regional economic development. Whether you live in rural Alberta, northern Ontario, or Cape Breton, people should be able to find a good job and build better lives for themselves.

It’s the Canadian dream and it shouldn’t be out of reach for so many people.

To spur that level of economic development, we need to invest real dollars in building infrastructure to support that growth. For every dollar invested in infrastructure, we see $6 in economic returns.

We need to build transit and highways to connect people and businesses to more jobs and opportunities. We need to expand and improve broadband and cell services to more rural, remote and underserved communities, so people can have a better quality of life.

Improving quality of life also means a renewed commitment to one of the most critical services we receive as Canadians: health care.

My fellow premiers and I have asked the federal government to increase the Canada Health Transfer by 5.2 per cent a year, so that patients can receive the care they need and deserve.

We need the flexibility to invest those dollars where they’re needed most and respond quickly to growing areas of need.

Ontario is ready to roll up its sleeves and work with our federal and provincial partners to advance these important priorities for our people and for all Canadians.

To help achieve our goal, I’ve established a new Council of Provincial-Federal Relations to ensure we’re collaborating with our federal partners on getting shovels in the ground quickly on major infrastructure projects, investing in critical services, and creating an environment where businesses can thrive.

In fact, when I met with Prime Minister Trudeau last week, we both agreed Ontario has an important role to play in enhancing co-operation and trade with our U.S. partners. That’s why I’m heading to Washington, D.C., next week to not only stand up for Ontario’s workers and businesses, but for Canada’s interests as well.

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Because what’s good for Ontario is good for Canada, and what’s good for Canada is good for Ontario.

With the election over and a new cabinet in place, now is the time for the prime minister and his government to secure a new pact with the provinces to drive regional economic growth, build critical infrastructure and end hallway health care.

Working together, we can build a more prosperous and united Canada.