A federation on thin ice

And PC-connected appointees

ABOVE THE FOLD

The Prime Minister and Premiers wrapped up their meeting in the capital projecting a Team Canada front to a tariff-happy Washington, despite the separatist chatter. And while MARK CARNEY balances competing provincial interests and insists the country is “united,” Ontario’s DOUG FORD is playing chief enforcer and pacifier.

Here are the standout moments…

Toned-down on treason: After bombshell reports that Alberta separatist groups have been cozying up to DONALD TRUMP’s State Department, Ford didn’t mince words — but he wasn’t as harsh as the day prior, when he slammed Quebec separatists and was promptly chided for it. “Either you’re with Canada or you’re not with Canada,” Ford said. Compared to B.C.’s DAVID EBY, who went scorched-earth and called it “treason,” Ford was relatively subdued.

But he did pointedly tell Alberta’s DANIELLE SMITH to pick a side, saying it was high time she “stand up” and denounce the separatists that she effectively opened the door to, by passing …