Alberta Premier Danielle Smith
Courtesy Government of Alberta
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith endorsed Prime Minister Mark Carney’s decision to lift retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods compliant with the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), calling it a “positive step” in ongoing trade negotiations with the United States.
In a statement posted on X, Smith emphasized that tariffs, whether imposed by Canada or the U.S., primarily harm their own citizens and businesses, a stance Alberta has consistently maintained.
Smith highlighted her extensive diplomatic efforts, including meetings with U.S. governors, senators, members of Congress, and President Donald Trump, as key to keeping most Alberta exports tariff-free amid turbulent trade relations.
She advocated for “strong, consistent diplomacy” and good-faith negotiations over retaliatory measures, arguing that this approach best serves Canada’s economic interests.
However, Smith stressed the need for Canada to bolster its economy by diversifying export markets and removing barriers to resource development. She called for the immediate repeal of Trudeau-era policies, including net zero power regulations, the oil and gas production cap, the tanker ban, and Bill C-69, which she claims stifle Canada’s natural resource sector and cost the economy tens of millions daily. These laws, she argued, hinder Canada’s ability to compete globally.
Smith urged the federal government to continue negotiations to resolve remaining tariff issues and restore a “free and fair” trade agreement with the U.S., Canada’s largest trading partner, while strengthening the Canadian economy through its world-class natural resource sector.
With many Alberta exports, valued in the billions annually, tied to the U.S., Smith’s push for diplomacy and deregulation underscores Alberta’s critical role in Canada’s trade strategy.