Alberta Premier Danielle Smith welcomed U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to delay imposing tariffs on Canadian goods while the issue is reviewed further.
"Alberta is pleased to see that today President Donald Trump has decided to refrain from imposing tariffs on Canadian goods at this time as they study the issue further," Smith said in a statement.
She said the decision acknowledges the issue's complexity and potential impact on workers and businesses in both countries.
"We appreciate the acknowledgement that this is a complex and delicate issue with serious implications for American and Canadian workers, businesses and consumers, given the integration of our markets and our critical energy and security partnership," Smith said.
Smith noted that the delay would protect jobs on both sides of the border.
"Avoiding tariffs will save hundreds of thousands of Canadian and American jobs," she said. "Declining to impose U.S. tariffs on Canadian energy preserves the viability of dozens of U.S. refineries and facilities that upgrade Alberta crude, along with tens of thousands of American jobs."
However, Smith warned the threat of tariffs remains and urged Canada to take steps to preserve its relationship with the U.S.
She called for diplomacy and a halt to retaliatory measures, such as export tariffs or threats to cut off energy supplies.
"I am convinced the path to a positive resolution with our U.S. allies is strong and consistent diplomacy and working in good faith towards shared priorities," she said.
Smith suggested Canada and the U.S. focus on boosting bilateral trade, with Canada buying more U.S. goods such as gas turbines, military equipment and computer hardware while encouraging the U.S. to increase imports of Canadian oil, timber and agricultural products.
She also called for stronger border security, urging provinces to work with Ottawa to deploy additional resources within a month to address illegal drugs and migration.
Smith encouraged the federal government to accelerate defence spending to meet NATO’s two per cent of GDP target, restore immigration policies to those under former Prime Minister Stephen Harper, and address potential risks in immigration streams.
She also called for the repeal of federal policies that harm Canada’s energy sector, including the Clean Electricity Regulations, the Impact Assessment Act, and the production cap. She urged Ottawa to fast-track pipeline projects such as Northern Gateway and Energy East.
"This is clearly a shared priority that benefits both of our nations," Smith said.
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