Premier Danielle Smith to Strengthen Alberta-U.S. Ties During Washington Visit

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is in Washington this week to take in Donald Trump’s inauguration and to solidify Alberta’s role in North American energy, food, and data security. Although Smith originally planned to attend Trump’s swearing-in ceremony in person, the event was moved indoors to the Rotunda on Capitol Hill due to what US officials call dangerously cold weather. The forecasted high for Monday in Washington is -3 C. Instead, she will join others at the Canadian embassy to watch the proceedings before embarking on five days of meetings with U.S. governors, members of Congress, and private sector leaders.

“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.

“In all my meetings and events in Washington, D.C., I will work to ensure Alberta is recognized as a partner of choice for establishing North American energy security, to reinforce our century-long friendship, and to further solidify our trade relationship that greatly benefits both Americans and Canadians.”

Smith’s discussions will focus on Alberta’s position as the largest exporter of oil and gas to the U.S., highlighting the economic ties that underpin industries on both sides of the border.

In addition to energy, the Premier will push for collaboration in agriculture, forestry, manufacturing, and technology, while showing US leaders the economic integration that supports jobs and prosperity on both sides of the border.

The mission comes amid heightened concerns about potential U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods. Alberta’s government has launched a targeted advertising campaign, Alberta is the Answer, aimed at amplifying the province’s message about its crucial partnership with the U.S.