Buy Canadian and stop importing U.S. products including alcohol is the rallying cry coming from Alberta and Saskatchewan in response to U.S. tariffs.
“Our portion of the border is secure, and in Alberta we are making sure that fentanyl is not an issue,” says Mike Ellis, Deputy Premier and Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services in Alberta.
His comments come as the province responds to the grievances listed by U.S. President Donald Trump since he penalized Canada with 25 per cent tariffs on all its exports and a 10 per cent tax on its energy. Trump cited his concerns on illicit drugs and undocumented migrants entering the States from Canada.
Premier Danielle Smith in recognizing the impact of the tariffs says she will not sugarcoat it for Albertans about the challenges that lie ahead with protracted tariffs impacting the economy, and jobs.
She adds that, “Our bonds with Americans are deeper and lasting than any one person.”
Smith also contends that Alberta has done its part, and that the issue is drugs coming up from States along with migrants.
“We want some recognition that it is a two-way street.” She pointed out that America is a net exporter of illicit drugs, and “some of this is their responsibility too.”
Alberta is suspending imports of U.S. alcohol and video lottery terminals in preference for Canadian options.
A Buy Alberta strategy will be led by the ag minister. Other steps include:
- Providing full intra-provincial labour mobility and eliminating trade barriers
- Doubling oil production and looking for more pipeline options to move oil to diverse markets
- Government agencies, school boards, municipalities are encouraged to support local options
- Alberta will continue to engage with U.S. representatives as the premier travels to Houston
Smith labelled the tariffs as unjustified and a clear breach of the North American Free Trade Agreement, which Trump signed during his first term.
In Saskatchewan, Premier Scott Moe is also halting U.S. booze and prioritizing Canadian suppliers.
Future government capital projects have been paused and contractors will be asked to report on American inputs and reduce that amount.
“The United States has always been Saskatchewan’s largest and most important trading partner, but when they attack our economy, we have to push back,” Moe said.
Also on the Saskatchewan target list is:
- Liquor retailers will no longer be able to order US-produced alcohol, but can sell existing inventory
- Lotteries and Gaming Saskatchewan will source non-American suppliers for the $43 million of VLT and slot machines that are to be upgraded this year.
- Saskatchewan wants school divisions, municipalities and post-secondary institutions to adopt buy Canadian measures
“The goal is to end these tariffs and retaliatory measures as soon as possible so that we can resume our long standing, mutually beneficial relationship,” said Moe.
