As part of its non-tariff retaliatory measures, Alberta announced it is altering its procurement practices to ensure its government, as well as agencies, school boards, Crown corporations and municipalities, purchase their goods and services from provincial companies, Canadian companies or countries with which Canada has a free trade agreement that is being honoured.
The government has also directed Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis to suspend the purchase of U.S. alcohol and video lottery terminals (VLTs) from American companies until further notice. This will ensure provincial and Canadian brands take priority in restaurants, bars and on retail shelves.
“I will always put the best interests of Alberta and Albertans first. These non-tariff actions are measured, proportionate and put an emphasis on defending Alberta and Canada against these economically destructive tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, while breaking down restrictive provincial trade barriers so we can fast-track nation building resource projects and allow for the unrestricted movement of goods, services and labour across the country,” said Alberta Premier Danielle Smith.
“I understand this is an uncertain time for many Albertans, and our government will continue to do all it can to prioritize Alberta’s and Canada’s world-class products and businesses as we face this challenge together. I also look forward to working with my provincial counterparts to help unite Canada and ensure free and fair trade throughout our country.”
“We are committed to putting Canadian businesses first. By suspending the purchase of U.S. produced alcohol, slot machines and VLTs, we are ensuring that Alberta and Canadian brands take priority in our restaurants, bars and retail stores. We will continue to take bold steps to support local industries and strengthen our economy,” said Dale Nally, Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction.
To encourage the purchase of stock from vendors in the province, Canada and other countries with which Canada has a free trade agreement, the government said it will help all provincial grocers and other retailers with labelling Canadian products in their stores. In the coming weeks, the government will augment these efforts by launching a “Buy Alberta” marketing campaign. Spearheaded by Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation RJ Sigurdson, this campaign will remind Albertans of their options for local food and the importance of supporting Alberta’s agriculture producers and processors, said the government.
“Alberta’s agriculture producers and processors are the best in the world. Although these U.S. tariffs are incredibly concerning, this “Buy Alberta” campaign will put a spotlight on Alberta’s farmers, ranchers and agri-food businesses and support Albertans in choosing goods from right here at home,” said RJ Sigurdson, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation.
Building on Alberta’s reputation as a leader in removing barriers to trade within Canada, Alberta’s government will continue to push other provinces to match our ambition in providing full labour mobility and eliminating trade barriers through work like mutual recognition of regulations. This will allow for goods, services and labour from other provinces to flow into and out of Alberta without having to undergo additional regulatory assessments, said the government.
“While no one wins in a tariff war, this situation underscores the need to develop Canada’s trade infrastructure and the diversification of our trading partners and could be the catalyst to unlocking Canada’s true potential. As we look at how best to support Albertans and our businesses, we must also work to reduce internal trade and labour mobility barriers while expanding markets for Alberta energy, agricultural and manufactured products into Europe, Asia, the Americas and beyond. Albertans and Canadians are counting on us,” added Matt Jones, Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade.
Alberta’s government said is also focused on doubling oil production. With U.S. tariffs in place on Canadian energy products, Alberta is looking elsewhere for additional pipeline infrastructure, including east and west, in order to get its products to new markets.
Alberta’s government said it will continue to engage with elected officials and industry leaders in the U.S. to reverse these tariffs on Canadian goods and energy and rebuild Canada’s relationship with its largest trading partner and ally.
The U.S. is Alberta’s – and Canada’s – largest trading partner. Alberta is the second largest provincial exporter to the U.S. after Ontario. In 2024, Alberta’s exports to the U.S. totalled C$162.6 billion, accounting for 88.7 per cent of total provincial exports.
Energy products accounted for approximately C$132.8 billion or 82.2 per cent of Alberta’s exports to the U.S. in 2024. About 10 per cent of liquor products in stock in Alberta are imported from the United States. U.S. products represent a small minority of the beer and refreshment beverage categories; however, a significant number of wines originate in the U.S. In 2023-24, about $292 million in U.S. liquor products were sold in Alberta.
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