Smith Meets with United States Secretary of the Interior and Reports US Leaders’ Desire for Trade Dispute Resolution

March 13, 2025 TruthUSA

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith had a “very constructive” meeting with U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum. Many U.S. officials are eager to see the trade dispute resolved quickly, as per Smith.

Smith is currently in Houston, Texas, aiming to ease tensions with the United States and explore new global markets for Alberta energy. She emphasized the mutual importance of both economies and Canada’s role in bolstering U.S. energy security during her meeting with Burgum on March 11.

“Many American leaders are hopeful that this challenging situation will be resolved sooner rather than later,” Smith stated in a social media post on March 12. “I will continue my diplomatic efforts in the U.S. to facilitate a speedy resolution.”

Burgum and Smith met on the day the U.S.-Canada tariff conflict escalated due to President Donald Trump threatening to double tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum imports. This was in response to Ontario Premier Doug Ford imposing a 25 percent export tax on electricity supplied to New York, Michigan, and Minnesota.

Trump later rescinded his tariff increase plan after Ontario halted its electricity export surcharge, following discussions between Ford and U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick. They agreed to meet in Washington on March 13.

Universal U.S. tariffs of 25 percent on aluminum and steel took effect on March 12. Ottawa retaliated by announcing counter-tariffs worth $29.8 billion on U.S. products, including steel and aluminum, beginning on March 13. This was in addition to previous tariffs imposed in early March in response to U.S. tariffs related to fentanyl and illegal immigration.

After a meeting with Canadian premiers on March 12, Smith affirmed her commitment to diplomacy and responding to “unjustified” tariffs in a “proportionate and measured” manner.

“Public opinion, industry, and leaders in the U.S. increasingly oppose a prolonged trade dispute with Canada,” according to Smith’s statement on March 12. “We must avoid escalation, focus on long-term outcomes, and strive for a mutually beneficial trade resolution with our American neighbors.”

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