[Edmonton Metropolitan Region – February 14, 2025] – In response to ongoing uncertainty surrounding potential U.S. tariffs and their impact on the Edmonton Metropolitan Region, Edmonton Global is spearheading the formation of a Regional Tariff Ad Hoc Working Group (WG) to align understanding, strengthen advocacy, and provide clear, coordinated recommendations to government and industry stakeholders.
This initiative comes as Canada’s trade relationship with the U.S. faces continued challenges. While a recent 30-day pause on tariffs offers a temporary reprieve, economic leaders warn that this is not a resolution—rather, it is a critical window to take proactive steps. Alberta’s economy, which exported $156 billion in goods to the U.S. in 2023, is particularly exposed to the risks of protectionist policies.
A coordinated response between the business community, economic development organizations, and policymakers will ensure that messaging is consistent, proactive, and effective. Businesses are often the ones working directly with supply chains, international customers, and trade partners—so their voices will align regional strategies with what is actually happening on the ground.
“The threat of tariffs is not gone—it’s only delayed,” said Malcolm Bruce, CEO of Edmonton Global. “We cannot afford to be complacent. The Regional Tariff Ad Hoc Working Group will provide a unified voice to ensure we are better prepared, more resilient, and positioned for long-term economic success. With crisis comes opportunity–and we cannot afford to waste this opportunity.”
The working group will serve as a platform for regional economic development leaders, industry representatives, and municipal partners to:
“Our local businesses are the drivers of economic outcomes–locally, provincially, and nationally,” Bruce added. “Alberta’s economy is deeply integrated with U.S. trade, with 80% of exports going south of the border. Industry leaders understand better than anyone how these disruptions translate into real-world challenges—whether it’s higher costs for materials, uncertainty in investment decisions, or shifting production strategies. We need to ensure that we are listening to these voices and amplifying them with the right audiences. This is how we build an environment where businesses here are not only protected from trade disruptions but positioned to thrive well into the future.”
The working group consists of the following initial representatives:
The group plans to meet within the coming weeks to finalize a strategy to inform their collaborative efforts during which other members may be added to the group.
The purpose of Edmonton Global is to radically transform and grow the economy of the Edmonton Metropolitan Region. We are a not-for-profit corporation founded by 14 municipalities that make up the Edmonton Metropolitan Region. Our focus is attracting foreign investment, helping regional businesses export with the world, enhancing our region’s global competitiveness, and bringing our region together with a unified voice to attract the attention and interest of investors the world over.
Sherri Bouslama
Sr. Manager, Brand & Communications
sbouslama@edmontonglobal.ca
780-996-1524
