Winnipeg 
Alberta’s government is taking action in response to newly imposed U.S. tariffs by adjusting procurement policies and reinforcing internal trade initiatives.
Credit: Alberta Newsroom/Flickr
Per the news release, the measures aim to prioritize local and Canadian businesses while encouraging economic resilience:
- Liquor and Gaming Restrictions: Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) has suspended the purchase of U.S. liquor and video lottery terminals to promote local brands in retail and hospitality sectors.
- Procurement Policy Changes: Public sector entities, including agencies, school boards, municipalities, and Crown corporations, will prioritize purchasing from Alberta or Canadian companies and countries honoring free trade agreements with Canada.
- Retail Product Labeling: The government will assist grocers and retailers in clearly labeling Canadian products to encourage domestic purchases.
A “Buy Alberta” marketing campaign, led by Agriculture and Irrigation Minister RJ Sigurdson, will be launched to promote locally sourced food and agricultural goods.
Danielle Smith says the province will continue to advocate for the removal of interprovincial trade barriers. The province is pushing for mutual recognition of regulations across Canada to facilitate the seamless movement of goods, services, and labor without additional regulatory hurdles.
With U.S. tariffs affecting Canadian energy exports, Alberta is seeking alternative markets by expanding pipeline infrastructure both east and west. The government is also engaging with American policymakers and industry leaders to challenge the tariffs and strengthen trade relations.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Unyb_EEf8QU&ab_channel=YourAlberta%28GovernmentofAlberta%29
Smith during Wednesday’s press conference stated that Alberta is against an export tax on its oil resources. She says a 25% tax on $150 billion worth of energy exports would generate approximately $40 billion in revenue for Ottawa. However, those funds would be spent according to federal priorities rather than benefiting Alberta directly.
Last December, Alberta launched an Interdiction Patrol Team (IPT) within the Alberta Sheriffs to combat illegal cross-border activities along the Alberta-Montana border. With a $29-million investment, the IPT is now operational, collaborating with the RCMP and Canada Border Services Agency. Twenty officers have been deployed, with hiring ongoing for 51 positions.
Additionally, $15 million is allocated for three new vehicle inspection stations, pending Budget 2025 approval. The stations will be located on Highway 1 at Dunmore, Highway 3 at Burmis and Highway 4 at Coutts. The stations will include enhanced parking lanes for inspections, and winter-ready buildings for year-round inspections.
Alberta is also training highway maintenance workers to report suspicious activity. She has amended the Critical Infrastructure Defence Act to enhance border security enforcement within a newly designated two-kilometre zone.
The trade measures follow the March 4 implementation of a 25% tariff on all Canadian goods and a 10% tariff on Canadian energy products by the U.S. Alberta remains Canada’s second-largest exporter to the U.S., with energy products making up a significant portion of its trade.
