Opinion: U.S. tariffs a warning: Edmonton region must take action

By Malcolm Bruce, CEO, Edmonton Global 

The 30-day pause on U.S. tariffs offers a temporary reprieve—but it’s far from a victory. If anything, it’s a warning shot. This is not just a trade dispute; it’s a long-term chess game, and we cannot afford to sit back and hope it plays out in our favor. 

The threat of tariffs is not gone—it’s delayed. If we do nothing, we risk finding ourselves in the exact same position a month from now, or worse. Instead of waiting, we need to take concrete steps to ensure we are not so vulnerable to external trade disruptions in the future. 

Our local economy is on the front line 

Alberta is a trade-dependent economy, and no province has more at stake in this evolving situation. In 2023 alone, we exported $156 billion worth of goods to the U.S., with 80% of those exports in energy. The U.S. depends on Alberta for 56% of its oil imports, and our agricultural and manufacturing sectors are deeply tied to cross-border trade. 

Tariffs would increase costs for Edmonton Region businesses, reduce our competitiveness, and deter investment—not to mention disrupt supply chains that are critical for both Canadian and American industries. While the pause gives negotiators time to find solutions, we must use this moment to prepare for what comes next. 

What needs to happen now 

This is our opportunity to take strategic action—not just to avoid tariffs in the short term, but to ensure Alberta and Canada are better positioned for the future. Here’s what we need to do: 

• Double down on U.S. engagement – The best way to counteract protectionist moves is through proactive diplomacy and relationship-building. Alberta needs a strong presence in Washington and key U.S. states to advocate for the importance of free trade. We must work with American business leaders, lawmakers, and industry groups to reinforce the fact that tariffs hurt both sides of the border. 

• Strengthen Canada’s internal trade – Much is being said about Canada’s need to remove barriers to interprovincial trade but it bears repeating. Right now, Alberta businesses often face more restrictions selling within Canada than they do exporting to the U.S. We must continue to advocate for this Made-in-Canada solution that would make our economy stronger and more resilient. Some studies suggest that removing these trade barriers could boost our national GDP by as much as almost 8%. 

• Diversify our trade partnerships – Alberta needs to continue expanding its reach beyond the U.S. to markets in Europe, Asia, and other global regions. A more diversified export strategy will make us less reliant on any one country’s trade policies. Edmonton Global is very focussed on creating these outcomes in Europe, South America and the Indo-Pacific region. 

• Invest in key sectors where we have what it takes to win on the global stage – Energy security, hydrogen, carbon capture, clean tech, artificial intelligence, food production, life sciences and advanced manufacturing are all areas where the Edmonton Metro Region can lead. By securing investments in these industries now, we position ourselves for long-term economic strength regardless of external pressures. 

• We must work together – We must recognize that our greatest strength lies in working together—not against each other. Competing for investment at a regional level makes us less attractive to global investors who are looking for stability, scale, and collaboration. Now is not the time for internal competition between provinces, cities, or regions. Our real competition is not next door—it’s global. 

This is a marathon, not a sprint 

This pause is not a resolution—it’s a temporary timeout. The reality is that the global trade landscape is shifting, and the U.S. may take further protectionist actions in the months and years ahead. We need to be ready. 

That means staying vigilant, proactive, and strategic. It means ensuring that the Edmonton Metropolitan Region has a seat at the table and that we are actively building alliances with international partners, U.S. states, and industry leaders who also benefit from free trade. 

Most importantly, it means taking control of what we can–reducing internal barriers, investing in our own economic strengths, and ensuring that the Edmonton Region remains a leader in regional collaboration for economic development. 

This is a moment to act, not wait. If we use this pause wisely, we won’t just weather the current challenge—we’ll emerge stronger, more competitive, and better prepared for whatever comes next.