Prairies Economic Development minister meets business leaders in Edmonton amid tariff threat
Alberta industry leaders are looking for ways to safeguard their operations, as they brace for the potential impact of looming U.S. tariffs. That was the message delivered Wednesday as federal officials, local politicians and Alberta business leaders from a variety of backgrounds gathered in Edmonton.
Terry Duguid, the federal minister of sport and the minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada, met with industry leaders at the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce Wednesday, to explore ways to protect Alberta businesses — particularly the construction and manufacturing sectors.
U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened 25 per cent tariffs on all Canadian imports, with a lower 10 per cent tariff on Canadian energy, which have been pushed back until at least March 4.
On Monday, Trump signed executive orders to impose 25 per cent tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports into the United States, including Canadian products, starting March 12.
Duguid said the closed roundtable discussions in Edmonton focused on hearing what construction and manufacturing sectors need to protect jobs and stay competitive during uncertain times.
“We are here today to hear economic leaders in Edmonton and Alberta, and to discuss what we might do as the Canadian government to buffer them against some of these threats,” said Duguid.
“They are taking steps to diversify their businesses, to look at new supply chains and to look at the kinds of investments they need to make to remain resilient so we can get through this difficult period.”
He said that the federal government would take “forceful” action if tariffs are levied on Canadian businesses. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has previously pledged to respond with counter-tariffs on U.S. goods.
Supporting local
Some who attended Wednesday’s meeting say the situation is an opportunity for Canadians to support local businesses.
Bianca Parsons, executive director of the Alberta Food Processors Association, spoke positively about the resilience of Alberta’s food and beverage industry.
“This is an opportunity to promote made-in-Alberta products and inspire more consumers to buy local.”
But she added, “the threat of tariffs has triggered anxiety, particularly for those who rely on U.S-sourced ingredients and suppliers.”
Many are now looking for alternative suppliers and exploring opportunities to expand their domestic client base, she said.
Edmonton Centre MP Randy Boissonnault was in attendance at the meeting.
“Businesses like predictability and they like the knowledge that their future is certain and just the threat of tariffs are causing ripples through the supply chain,” said Boissonnault.
“This is the time more than ever to be building up our country, building up businesses, building up our infrastructure so that we can buy Canadian.”
Canada’s premiers, including Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, had a meeting at the White House Wednesday, hoping to lobby against Trump’s tariff threat.
Smith reiterated the importance of improving border security to strengthen Canada-U.S. relations.
“All of the premiers are doing our part to put specialized teams in place, make sure that we’ve got sniffer dogs, make sure we’ve got commercial vehicle units, work with the federal government on getting helicopters and border patrol,” Smith told CBC News in Washington Wednesday.
“We recognize fentanyl is a problem for us too. And we’re doing everything we can to make sure we stamp it out in our communities.”
Some local businesses are already noticing an uptick in interest as Albertans look for ways to support their homegrown industries, said Parsons.
“The chamber really tried to instil in all of us that this is an opportunity, that Edmonton has a lot to offer; and what a great chance to be able to show that to the rest of the world.”
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