Alberta Premier Danielle Smith  Courtesy Danielle Smith X
Alberta

UPDATED: Smith says premiers closer to consensus on U.S. tariffs

'In my view, the direction of the discussion was more positive'

James Snell

There was progress at Wednesday's meeting of Canadian premiers where potential U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods were discussed, says Alberta Premier Danielle Smith.

"In my view, the direction of the discussion was more positive this week, as there appears to be a growing consensus," she said on X — though "not entirely unanimous."

Smith said there may be growing consensus over the need to demonstrate Canada's commitment to increased border security — and accelerating the 2% GDP NATO commitment.

Premiers discussed the importance of building more pipelines east and west within Canada to enhance customer base, removing provincial trade barriers, and increasing Canada’s overall competitiveness, said Smith.

Premiers spoke of the need for consulting with, and securing consent from, individual provinces before stopping or placing export tariffs on key exports from those provinces — like oil and gas.

Smith said Alberta will oppose any "extreme measures" on energy exports.

Premiers also spoke of the need to focus on constructive diplomacy with America instead of escalating negative rhetoric against President Donald Trump.

"While more discussion is needed, the group is moving closer to a consensus on how to handle the U.S. tariff challenge," said Smith, who took time between meetings with U.S. senators and house members in Washington D.C. to speak with premier colleagues and Justin Trudeau about the ongoing threat of U.S. tariffs.

Trump threaten to impose a 25% tariff on Canadian goods unless Canada resolves its border security problems related to drugs and migrants. He has offered Canada a short reprieve.

Alberta has taken action — deploying a new sheriff force to the southern border. Manitoba's southern border will now be patrolled using a Blackhawk helicopter.

The Government of Canada announced $1.3 billion in spending over the next six years to enhance border security.