Alberta Premier urges Ottawa to resume U.S. talks before counter-tariffs begin

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is pressing the federal government to return to the negotiating table with the United States before retaliatory tariffs are imposed in two weeks. Smith stated that escalating tariffs risk further worsening the trade dispute between Canada and its neighbor.

The Canadian federal government announced Tuesday its intention to implement counter-tariffs starting September 8. These tariffs will target a variety of U.S. exports, including steel, aluminum, smartphones, and golf clubs. The government also outlined measures to support businesses affected by the trade conflict.

Smith acknowledged Ottawa's plan to assist businesses and indicated that her government is assessing the need for provincial relief. "Alberta’s government remains concerned that tariffs and counter-tariffs increase costs, disrupt supply chains, put pressure on businesses and workers, and ultimately risk escalation to even higher and broader tariffs that will impact even more Canadians," she said in a statement.

Smith has been hesitant among provincial leaders to fully support Prime Minister Mark Carney's counter-tariff strategy. The U.S. tariffs were enacted over the weekend after talks broke down, with Carney citing unacceptable terms from the Trump administration. Smith emphasized her priority is protecting jobs and businesses in Alberta.

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Alberta’s government remains concerned that tariffs and counter-tariffs increase costs, disrupt supply chains, put pressure on businesses and workers, and ultimately risk escalation to even higher and broader tariffs that will impact even more Canadians.