Ottawa tries to weaken Trump’s tariffs; Albertans are watching closely

Alberta’s politicians and business community will have their eyes on Florida this weekend following a federal government outreach trip.

Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly and new Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc traveled to Palm Beach on Friday to continue discussions with members of the incoming Donald Trump administration.

The two will push Canada’s new $1.3 billion border plan with the president-elect’s transition team less than four weeks before taking office.

Trump has threatened to impose a new 25% import tariff on Canada.

“People I know in the business community tell me they’re preparing for the high likelihood that these tariffs will actually happen,” said Scott Crockatt, vice president of the Alberta Business Council.

“Now what form they will take when they go into effect and what the actual percentages are are the really great unknowns.”

Panic is growing in the energy-rich province as the January 20 inauguration approaches without a firm trade deal.

Alberta would be one of the Canadian areas hardest hit by a 25% tax.

“(These tariffs) could throw Canada into a recession next year by itself and cost 150,000 Canadian jobs,” Crockatt told CTV News.

“The effect on Alberta alone could be $30 billion to $40 billion a year. It’s like two mega-projects in Alberta don’t happen every year they do.

“So I think we have to take them really seriously and be very concerned. In a trade war, everyone loses.”

Fact-finding mission

According to their offices, Joly and LeBlanc will try to build on their conversations with Trump and the prime minister at Mar-a-Lago last month.

Mount Royal University political science professor Keith Brownsey thinks it’s a difficult tariff negotiation regardless of what Canada promises to do at the border.

“It’s a terrible situation for Canada, but I don’t think there’s anything we can do about it,” Brownsey said.

“He needs to consult with Trump… Not only Trump, but all the advisers around him. This is not a bad idea.”

Related to the Prime Minister in Washington

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has made repeated attempts on social media to reach Trump.

It is unclear whether her approach was successful.

She will be in Washington late next month to watch the inauguration of the new president and hopes to meet with “energy groups, congressmen and various officials,” according to a press secretary.

Smith’s office says travel planning is still underway, so the prime minister’s itinerary is not final.