Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is scheduled to hold discussions with U.S. officials next week, following her recent call for Canada to prioritize diplomacy and avoid further escalating the ongoing trade dispute. Smith’s press secretary, Sam Blackett, mentioned that the premier had a prearranged personal trip to the United States but will make time to engage with officials, accompanied by Alberta’s senior U.S. representative, Nathan Cooper.
Blackett stated on Friday that they plan to meet with key figures including the commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, the head of the Nashville Chamber of Commerce, and the CEO of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. Smith, reacting to the breakdown of Canada-U.S. trade negotiations last week, criticized the U.S.’s actions but stressed the need for a diplomatic approach rather than aggressive tactics.
She emphasized the importance of Canadian officials continually expressing to their American counterparts the harmful effects of tariffs and offering assistance once they are lifted. Blackett highlighted Alberta’s involvement in organizations like the Council of State Governments (CSG) Midwest, with MLA Jennifer Johnson representing Alberta, and upcoming U.S. missions such as MLA Shane Getson’s participation in the Ports-to-Plains conference in Del Rio, Texas.
Johnson, a member of Smith’s United Conservative caucus, is expected to join several members of Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe’s caucus at the U.S. organization’s annual Midwestern Legislative Conference next week. While Saskatchewan holds full membership in the Council of State Governments Midwest, Alberta, Manitoba, and Ontario are affiliate members.
The Alberta government announced that lawmakers from 11 U.S. states will attend the conference in Saint Paul, Minn., from Sunday to Wednesday. Johnson will advocate for Alberta’s interests in energy, trade, and agriculture during the event. Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister David Marit shared that he will be attending the conference, noting broad support for the continuation of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico trade agreement within the agriculture sector.
Additionally, Saskatchewan’s Rural Health Minister Lori Carr, legislature Speaker Todd Goudy, and three Saskatchewan Party backbenchers will also be present at the conference.