Province to Prioritize Canadian Goods and Expand Market Access Amid Economic Tensions

Alberta is taking strong retaliatory measures against U.S. tariffs, prioritizing local trade and economic growth

EDMONTON – Alberta is taking decisive action against newly imposed U.S. tariffs, introducing non-tariff retaliatory measures that prioritize local and Canadian businesses while pushing for greater internal trade and market expansion.

Following U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to levy a 25% tariff on all Canadian goods and a 10% tariff on Canadian energy, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith announced a series of countermeasures aimed at protecting Alberta’s economy. These include changes to procurement policies, restrictions on U.S. alcohol and gaming products, and a renewed push to eliminate interprovincial trade barriers.

Retaliatory Trade Measures in Alberta

The Alberta government is revising its procurement rules to ensure that provincial agencies, municipalities, school boards, and Crown corporations prioritize purchasing from Alberta and Canadian companies or from countries with fair free trade agreements with Canada.

“I will always put the best interests of Alberta and Albertans first,” said Premier Smith. “These non-tariff actions are measured and proportionate, defending our province against destructive tariffs while also breaking down restrictive provincial trade barriers to fast-track resource projects and improve the movement of goods and labor across Canada.”

To reinforce this stance, the province is also directing Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) to suspend the purchase of U.S. alcohol and video lottery terminals (VLTs) until further notice. “By suspending U.S. alcohol and gaming equipment imports, we ensure Alberta and Canadian brands take priority in our bars, restaurants, and retail stores,” said Dale Nally, Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction.

Supporting Local Businesses and Expanding Trade

Alberta is set to launch a “Buy Alberta” marketing campaign to promote local products, spearheaded by Agriculture and Irrigation Minister RJ Sigurdson. “Alberta’s farmers, ranchers, and agri-food businesses are among the best in the world,” Sigurdson said. “This campaign will help Albertans support homegrown products and counter the impact of these damaging U.S. tariffs.”

At the same time, Alberta is intensifying efforts to expand interprovincial trade and labor mobility. Minister of Jobs, Economy, and Trade Matt Jones emphasized that this situation highlights the need for Canada to diversify its trading partners and strengthen its internal market. “This could be the catalyst for unlocking Canada’s true economic potential,” Jones stated.

Energy Sector and Market Diversification

With the U.S. tariffs targeting Canadian energy exports, Alberta is ramping up efforts to increase oil production and expand pipeline infrastructure toward new international markets. The province is actively seeking new export opportunities in Europe, Asia, and the Americas to reduce reliance on the U.S.

Alberta’s government will also continue diplomatic engagement with U.S. officials and industry leaders to push for a reversal of these tariffs and rebuild Canada’s critical trade relationship with the U.S.

Quick Facts:

• March 4, 2025 – U.S. President Trump imposed a 25% tariff on all Canadian goods and a 10% tariff on Canadian energy.
• The U.S. is Alberta’s largest trading partner, accounting for 88.7% of provincial exports in 2024.
• Alberta’s exports to the U.S. totaled C$162.6 billion in 2024, with C$132.8 billion (82.2%) from energy products.
• About 10% of liquor products in Alberta are imported from the U.S., representing a significant share of the wine market.
• Alberta has been a leader in removing internal trade barriers, eliminating 21 of 27 exceptions to free trade within Canada since 2019.

As the province continues to push back against U.S. tariffs, Alberta is positioning itself as a leader in Canadian free trade, economic resilience, and market expansion.