Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)
The Premiers’ trip is part of a Council of the Federation mission to Washington, D.C. from Feb. 11 to 13 where Premier Smith will support a Team Canada approach to engaging with U.S. lawmakers and industry, while highlighting how tariffs on Canadian and U.S. products harms Canadians, Americans, workers, businesses and industry on both sides of the border.
Premier Smith will also take the opportunity to reinforce how Alberta is contributing to Canada’s enhanced efforts to secure our shared border, how we can collectively grow our economies, and the significant role Alberta energy plays in helping the U.S. create prosperity for its people and achieve energy dominance and security for the long term.
“The past few weeks have marked a pivotal time in the historic partnership that has bridged our two nations for generations. I was, like all Canadians, deeply disappointed by President Donald Trump’s decision to announce damaging tariffs, but I am encouraged by the decision to pause tariffs for 30 days and the progress the pause represents. This is further evidence that diplomacy and action on border security matters. I look forward to lending my voice alongside Canada’s Premiers in Washington, D.C. where we will meet with U.S. decision makers and influencers to continue efforts to deescalate tensions between our two countries, work together on shared goals and find common ground so that we can restore our mutually beneficial and enduring friendship.”
The Council of the Federation was formed in 2003. It brings together Canada’s 13 provincial and territorial Premiers to enhance collaboration among provinces, territories and with the federal government, while working together to address important issues that affect all Canadians.
Premier Smith will travel with five staff members. Mission expenses will be posted on the travel and expense disclosure page.
Quick facts
- The United States announced 25 per cent tariffs on most Canadian goods and a 10 per cent tariff on Canadian energy exports.
- In response, Canada announced retaliatory tariffs on C$155 billion of U.S. exports.
- As of Feb. 3, U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods and retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods have been delayed for at least 30 days.
- Alberta is spending C$29 million on a border security plan, including the creation of a new sheriffs unit, a 51-officer Interdiction Patrol Team, four patrol dogs and 10 weather surveillance drones, among other measures.
- The U.S. is Alberta’s largest trading partner and Alberta is the second largest provincial exporter to the U.S.
- In 2023, Alberta’s exports to the U.S. totalled C$156 billion, accounting for 89.3 per cent of total provincial exports.
- Energy products accounted for approximately C$127.5 billion, more than 82 per cent of Alberta’s exports to the U.S. in 2023.
- In 2023, Alberta imported approximately C$25.8 billion in products from the U.S., including energy, machinery, aircrafts, vehicles and plastics. However, these figures are under-reported, as they do not account for trans-shipments.
- Canada buys more from the U.S. than Germany, Italy, France, the UK and Vietnam combined.
- The U.S. is an important source of industrial inputs and consumer goods for the province.
- If oil and gas exports are excluded, the United States actually sells more to Canada than Canada sells to the U.S.
Itinerary for Premier Smith*
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Feb. 10 |
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Feb. 11 |
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Feb. 12 |
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Feb. 13 |
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*Subject to change.
Related information
- Council of the Federation