(Smith photo credit: ID 326973870 © Beth Baisch | Dreamstime.com/Nenshi: rdnewsNOW file photo)

By Ashley Lavallee-Koenig

FEB. 3 STATEMENTS

Premier Smith and NDP leader Naheed Nenshi release statements on tariff delay

Feb 4, 2025 | 12:35 PM

Premier Danielle Smith is “greatly heartened” by U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to enact a 30-day pause on tariffs on Canadian goods, she said in a statement released Feb. 3.

“Diplomacy has won the day. Let us ensure that continues, as we know there is much more work ahead of us,” she said.

Smith added that Alberta has been calling for a Canadian fentanyl czar since U.S. elected representatives and administrators made it clear it would be a critical point of reaching an agreement.

“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 commented. “There are so many win-win solutions on trade and security between our two nations. Let us turn this crisis into an opportunity to find them for the benefit of Canadians and Americans.”

Smith intends to return to Washington, D.C. next week with other premiers to “continue our diplomatic efforts” and will return again later in the month to attend the National Governors’ Association conference.

Nighttime construction on Hwy 3 in Lethbridge starts April 17

Apr 17, 2025

SASHA launches #BuyABed fundraiser to support vulnerable Lethbridge residents

Apr 04, 2025

$20K grants available: TELUS STORYHIVE Pan-Asian Edition opens applications April 1

Mar 18, 2025

Naheed Nenshi, leader of Alberta’s New Democrat Party (NDP), also released a statement on the delay, and Smith’s actions up to this point of the negotiating process.

“Today’s temporary reprieve buys time, but the premier needs to actually show up and do the work. Alberta needs to be focused on diversifying our markets, both with other countries and with an expansion of trade with other Canadians,” he said. “Over five years of UCP government, nothing has been done on these critical files.”

Nenshi then called on the UCP government to create an all-party committee to work on the issue together, with a goal of developing Alberta-made solutions to protect our workers and businesses.

“Alberta’s New Democrats stand ready to help shoulder the work,” he shared.

He also urged Albertans to do their part by buying local and supporting Canadian-made goods.

by Ashley Lavallee-Koenig

Premier Smith and NDP leader Naheed Nenshi release statements on tariff delay

What's Happening