Alberta's response to tariffs implemented by U.S. President Donald Trump will include a "Buy Alberta" campaign spearheaded by Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation RJ Sigurdson.
Set to launch in the coming weeks, this campaign will remind Albertans of their options for local food and the importance of supporting Alberta’s agriculture producers and processors.
"Alberta’s agriculture producers and processors are the best in the world," said Sigurdson. "Although these U.S. tariffs are incredibly concerning, this 'Buy Alberta' campaign will put a spotlight on Alberta’s farmers, ranchers and agri-food businesses and support Albertans in choosing goods from right here at home.”
To do that, the Government of Alberta will help all of the province's grocers and other retailers with labelling Canadian products in their stores.
In response to Trump's tariffs, Alberta will longer buy American alcohol or video lottery terminals, though oil and gas exports heading to the U.S. will not be reduced or levied.
According to Trump, the tariffs — 25 per cent on all Canadian goods and 10 per cent on energy — are a response to Canada's perceived failure to take appropriate action on cross-border drug traffic and illegal immigration.
In a video published to social media, Sigurdson expressed his disappointment with the tariffs.
"So many of our agricultural industries are highly integrated, and maintaining market access is vital for farmers, ranchers and food processors on both sides of the border," he said.
"I want to stress that the partnership that we have with the U.S. is a mutually beneficial trade relationship. Our continued relationship is in the best interests of Canadian and U.S. citizens, helping to ensure food security and affordability in both countries," he continued.
"In any given year, millions of tons of wheat, potatoes, pulses, canola, pork and thousands of head of cattle cross the border, a formula that supports farms on both sides of the border while ensuring the most affordable prices for groceries in communities here and in the U.S."
Sigurdson had previously affirmed the government's commitment to standing up for those in the agriculture industry in light of Trump's tariffs when they were first set to take effect on Feb. 4.
The U.S. is Alberta's largest trade partner by far. According to the Government of Alberta, the province's agri-food exports were valued at $17.9 billion in 2023, with the United States accounting for nearly 50 per cent of that.
Sigurdson took a lead role in strengthening trade relations with the U.S. last year by leading the Canadian delegation at the 33rd Tri-National Agricultural Accord in October.
My message to the agriculture community.
— RJ Sigurdson (@RjSigurdson) March 5, 2025
We will overcome this challenge. It is important now, more than ever, to purchase stock from vendors in Alberta, Canada and other countries which Canada has a free trade agreement with. In the coming weeks, our government will launch the… pic.twitter.com/CzS1dxrYOW
