Alberta Premier Danielle Smith welcomed the agreement between Canada and the United States to pause tariffs and target fentanyl trafficking.
“I am greatly heartened to see U.S. President Donald Trump and the Government of Canada have agreed to crack down on fentanyl trafficking and other illegal activities at our shared border,” Smith said.
She highlighted Alberta’s long-standing push for a Canadian fentanyl czar to coordinate efforts with the U.S.
“The appointment of a Canadian fentanyl czar with authority to coordinate a massive joint effort with the United States to target fentanyl traffickers is something Alberta has been calling for since it became clear in our discussions with U.S. elected representatives and administration officials that this would be a critical part of reaching a deal to avoid tariffs,” she continued.
Smith said diplomacy prevented tariffs and should remain the focus.
“Diplomacy has won the day. Let us ensure that continues, as we know there is much more work ahead of us,” she said.
She urged federal officials and premiers to avoid trade disputes.
“I once again call on our federal government officials and my fellow premiers to de-escalate rhetoric, abandon any non-tariff measures for the time being, and turn our efforts entirely to advocacy and good-faith negotiation,” she said.
Smith said both countries could find “win-win solutions” on trade and security.
“Let us turn this crisis into an opportunity to find them for the benefit of Canadians and Americans,” she said. “To this end, I am preparing to return to Washington, D.C. next week with my fellow premiers to continue our diplomatic efforts and will again return to D.C. later in the month to attend the National Governors’ Association conference,” she said.
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