Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has released details on her five-day trip to Washington, which includes meeting with governors and industry leaders and attending President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration.
Her trip comes amid Trump’s assertion that he will impose tariffs on Canadian products as soon as he’s sworn in as president unless Canada takes action to stop the flow of illegal immigrants and drugs into the United States through the border.
An itinerary released on Jan. 17 outlines Smith’s activities during her time in the U.S. capital.
Smith will be attending a Republican Governors’ Association event and reception, meet with energy sector leaders, and participate in a roundtable discussion in an effort to build relationships and connections to “lay the groundwork for collaboration” with Trump’s administration, according to the news release.
Alberta exports about US$100 billion in energy to the United States, which is upgraded to US$300 billion in value-added products at U.S. refineries “and then sold by American companies all over the world,” according to the government of Alberta.
“Given the serious threats of tariffs, it is imperative that we do everything we can to engage directly with the incoming administration, members of Congress and key officials to emphasize Alberta’s critical role in North American energy security and economic prosperity,” Smith said.
Itinerary
Smith is set to travel to Washington on Jan. 18 and attend an event hosted by the Florida state government where she can engage with U.S. decision-makers.
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On Jan. 19, the schedule says Smith will meet with energy sector leaders, and attend an event hosted by the Texas State Society.
Smith will attend the presidential inauguration on Capital Hill on Jan. 20, followed up by an event at the Canadian Embassy. She is also scheduled to attend a Republican Governors’ Association event and evening reception.
A roundtable discussion and meeting with U.S. governors and industry leaders is scheduled for Jan. 21.
Smith is booked to meet with U.S. decision-makers and elected officials on Jan. 22. She will attend a networking even on solutions for responsible energy development.
She will head back to Alberta on Jan. 23.
Canada Prepares for Tariffs
In late November, Trump said he would impose 25 percent tariffs on all Canadian imports to the United States.
Ottawa and the premiers have been working on responding to the threat of the tariffs, including announcing new investments and personnel to boost border security.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the premiers held a meeting on Jan. 15, after which they issued a joint statement committing to a collaborative approach and “a full range of measures” in response to potential U.S. tariffs. However, Smith did not sign the joint statement with other premiers, saying she would not support withholding energy exports to the United States.
The joint statement outlined some actions that have already been taken to strengthen border security and curb the flow of illicit drugs.
It also said federal government is prepared to respond to U.S. tariffs with retaliatory tariffs.
Several Canadian officials have already visited Washington to discuss the trade issue with American politicians. Trudeau visited Trump at his Mar-a Largo resort in November to discuss the tariffs. Smith also visited the incoming president in Florida on Jan. 11 and 12.
A delegation of Canadian premiers is scheduled to visit Washington on Feb. 12 to discuss trade issues.
