News Release
Big win for Alberta and Canada: Statement from Premier Smith
Premier Danielle Smith issued the following statement on the April 2, 2025 U.S. tariff announcement:
“Today was an important win for Canada and Alberta, as it appears the United States has decided to uphold the majority of the free trade agreement (CUSMA) between our two nations. It also appears this will continue to be the case until after the Canadian federal election has concluded and the newly elected Canadian government is able to renegotiate CUSMA with the U.S. administration.
“This is precisely what I have been advocating for from the U.S. administration for months.
“It means that the majority of goods sold into the United States from Canada will have no tariffs applied to them, including zero per cent tariffs on energy, minerals, agricultural products, uranium, seafood, potash and host of other Canadian goods.
“There is still work to be done, of course. Unfortunately, tariffs previously announced by the United States on Canadian automobiles, steel and aluminum have not been removed. The efforts of premiers and the federal government should therefore shift towards removing or significantly reducing these remaining tariffs as we go forward and ensuring affected workers across Canada are generously supported until the situation is resolved.
“I again call on all involved in our national advocacy efforts to focus on diplomacy and persuasion while avoiding unnecessary escalation. Clearly, this strategy has been the most effective to this point.
“As it appears the worst of this tariff dispute is behind us (though there is still work to be done), it is my sincere hope that we, as Canadians, can abandon the disastrous policies that have made Canada vulnerable to and overly dependent on the United States, fast-track national resource corridors, get out of the way of provincial resource development and turn our country into an independent economic juggernaut and energy superpower.”
(30)
Media Statement: Nenshi on U.S. global tariffs
Naheed Nenshi, Leader of Alberta’s New Democrats, issued the following statement in response to the latest announcement by U.S. President Trump on global tariffs:
“Like all Canadians, I was waiting for today’s tariff announcement from President Trump. While we received a reprieve on some things versus other countries, this is no time for victory laps. What was announced today will hurt a lot of Albertans and a lot of Canadians. It will hurt a lot of workers. It will hurt a lot of small, medium and large businesses. It will cripple Canadian industries.
“Instead of a victory lap, it’s time for us to rededicate our efforts to ensure we are in a strong position going forward. That means Alberta must be working with Team Canada, including partnerships with the federal government and the other premiers to craft a thoughtful, rational, sharp strategy in the face of these tariffs.
“I hope that strategy is the plan that we have put forward:
Building a Canadian economic fortress of a 40-million-strong internal market.
Dealing with the United States very strategically to ensure we are more important to them than they are to us.
Building global markets for our industries, including agriculture, agrifoods, manufacturing and energy.
Making sure we’re protecting workers and businesses who are going to be badly hurt by what was announced today.
Turning a shield into a sword. We need to go on the offensive and start recruiting people from the United States and around the world to conduct research here, to work in our health care system, and to build great companies right here in Alberta.
“This is going to take commitment. It’s going to take purpose. And it’s going to take a government that can work with others to ensure we are building a stronger Alberta and a strong Canada.”
(30)
Pinoy Edmonton News 