Premier Danielle Smith will attend the second inauguration of U.S. president-elect Donald Trump in January, her office has confirmed.
The move comes in the wake of threats from Trump, who has said he would impose 25 per cent tariffs if Canada and Mexico do not enact measures to tackle illegal immigration and drug smuggling into the United States.
Smith will be attending and hosted at several events leading up to the inauguration, according to press secretary Sam Blackett.
In addition to the premier attending the Jan. 20 inauguration on Capitol Hill, she will be at the Canadian Embassy event. Following the inauguration, the premier hopes to meet with energy groups, congresspeople, and various officials, Blackett said.
Smith’s planned trip to the U.S. capital comes amid a series of moves by the premier’s office in response to the threat of tariffs on Canadian goods.
More than a week ago, Alberta introduced plans to invest $29 million to create the Interdiction Patrol Team under the command of the Alberta Sheriffs.
Featuring 51 officers, as well as patrol dogs, surveillance drones and narcotics analyzers, the team is designed to intercept illegal attempts to cross the border, and attempts to bring drugs or firearms across the international boundary with the U.S. The unit will be able to make arrests without a warrant inside a red zone at least two kilometres from the border.
“Together with federal law enforcement, we’ll ensure that our section of the American border is well-protected,” Smith said. “We’ll deny safe haven to criminals looking to operate in both countries, and if we succeed and maintain proper border security, I expect we’ll have a very strong relationship with the United States as we always have.”
The premier has previously said she doesn’t support tariffs on either Canadian or U.S. goods because the result makes life more expensive for everyday Canadians and Americans.
Smith said Alberta is taking a diplomatic approach to attempt to avoid Trump’s tariffs.
“We’re meeting with our allies in the U.S., we’re making the case for Alberta oil and gas to be part of the solution to energy affordability, to energy security, and to, generally speaking, North American defence security, as well.”
Energy products represent Canada’s top export to the United States. According to Statistics Canada, 81 per cent of Canada’s total crude oil production in 2023 was exported, and nearly all of that volume (97 per cent) went to the United States. Alberta is the single largest supplier of crude oil and natural gas to the United States.