Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is optimistic for a new trade deal with the United States, telling CTV News Calgary the best deal for Canada would involve no additional tariffs. “I know everybody hopes that we could get 100 per cent of all products going across the border tariff free,” Smith said in an interview. “But I think where we’re at in the negotiations is that we’re aiming to get the best agreement in the world of any nation with the United States and a reduction in the current tariffs that we have.” It’s the first time Smith has spoken on the intense negotiations between Ottawa and Washington during trade deadline week. Alberta has been relatively unscathed by Trump’s tariffs, which first came down on Canada in February 2025. Smith says 97 per cent of Alberta’s products being exported to the U.S. have done so duty-free. It’s a stark contrast from the effect the levies have had on other Canadian provinces. Ontario has seen massive supply-chain disruptions and major layoffs in its steel and auto industries, while the cost of British Columbia’s lumber has exploded due to severe levies. Smith’s response has been less severe than those of her counterparts. While all provinces pulled U.S. alcohol from the shelves when Trump’s tariffs first landed, Alberta put that liquor back on the shelves three months later. “It’s one of the areas that’s been a source of contention… to not have discriminatory procurement policies,” Smith said. Prime Minister Mark Carney has asked premiers to return the U.S. products to their shelves, should a trade deal come through. Alberta and Saskatchewan are the only provinces that have returned U.S. products to their shelves. U.S. President Donald Trump’s latest tariff threat on $28 billion worth of Canadian goods is slated to take effect just after midnight, unless officials finalize a trade agreement or Trump grants another extension. The U.S. president told reporters Friday the U.S. “should” be able to reach a deal with Canada. with files from Tommy Osborne and The Canadian Press
