Alberta Premier Danielle Smith met with president-elect Donald Trump in Florida on Saturday at his Mar-a-Lago residence.
In a released statement, Smith said the two had a "friendly and constructive conversation" during which she emphasized the mutual importance of the U.S. - Canada energy relationship, and specifically how hundreds of thousands of American jobs are supported by energy exports from Alberta.
“I was also able to have similar discussions with several key allies of the incoming administration and was encouraged to hear their support for a strong energy and security relationship with Canada," she added.
In one photo she shared online, Smith is seen standing next to Trump and Canadian businessman Kevin O'Leary.
Smith said she will continue to engage in constructive dialogue and diplomacy with the incoming administration and elected federal and state officials from both parties and will do all she can to further Alberta’s and Canada’s interests.
“The United States and Canada are both proud and independent nations with one of the most important security alliances on earth and the largest economic partnership in history," stated Smith. "We need to preserve our independence while we grow this critical partnership for the benefit of Canadians and Americans for generations to come.”
Last month, Smith said she would attend Trump's inauguration ceremony in Washington on Jan. 20. In addition to the inauguration, Smith will be hosting several events in the U.S. capital during the visit with plans of meeting with energy groups, congresspeople, and various officials.
The weekend visit comes as Trump has threatened to impose 25 per cent tariffs against Canada and Mexico if the two countries do not address illegal immigration and drug smuggling into the United States.
Alberta responded by introducing plans to invest $29 million to create a border patrol run by the Alberta Sheriffs.
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