The twin T-words of Trump and tariffs left no lips, but North American economic uncertainty was an obvious undercurrent for April 14 comments and exchanges in the legislature tied to U.S. visitors.
UCP backbenchers and ministers rose beneath the dome to amplify Alberta’s economic, agricultural — and professional hockey — connections to the American Midwest.
Grant Hunter, the member for Taber-Warner, called Alberta’s economy “deeply connected” to the region. The Midwest, the U.S. and Canada are economically entwined for the good of both countries, he said.
“Our energy, agriculture and manufacturing industries support hundreds of thousands of jobs in Alberta and across North America,” said Hunter. “We supply essential goods and resources that drive economic and employment growth on both sides of the border.”
Shane Getson, Lac Ste. Anne-Parkland, welcomed members of the Midwest region of the Council of State Governments to “Texas north, Alberta, the province of the strong and the free, home of two amazing NHL hockey teams, cowboys, innovators and a safe, secure supply of energy and food.”
Getson also highlighted all-season tourism, low taxes, the Rocky Mountains and clean air and water in his statement, and made time as the post-season approaches to mention American NHL teams in Chicago, Columbus and Saint Paul.
Calling the Midwest one of Alberta’s largest trading partners, he said provincial energy resources flow into its refineries. In return, Alberta buys equipment and other finished products.
“Having our colleagues from the Midwest take time to come visit us in person is priceless. We have an opportunity to show them our western hospitality, our industries, our universities, directly interfacing with those who make the province what it is today,” Getson said.
“We want to ensure that our conversations (and our) common values and interests and aspirations and lessons learned allow us to continue to be valued trading partners for years to come. Fortress North America won’t happen by chance. It will take some collaboration to formalize economic corridors between our provinces and states.”
Founded in 1933, the Council of State Governments is the only nonpartisan association serving all three branches of state government and their elected and unelected people, in all 50 U.S. states and U.S. territories.
Four provinces are members of the council’s Midwestern Legislative Conference — Alberta, Manitoba and Ontario are affiliate members, while Saskatchewan is a full member.
South of the border, CSG Midwest comprises Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.
R.J. Sigurdson, the agriculture minister, called the U.S. Alberta’s most important trade partner and the Midwest “a key agricultural hub.”
Last year Alberta shipped $389 million in agricultural products to Illinois alone, including $251 million in beef, said Sigurdson, the member for Highwood.
Matt Jones, minister of jobs, economy and trade, said Alberta exports $5 billion worth of agrifood products to the U.S. every year, including beef, grain and oilseeds.
“This makes Alberta not just a reliable supplier but a partner that Midwestern states can count on,” he said.
“With Alberta’s stable and sustainable practices, we’re helping to meet growing demand for high-quality food products in the U.S. Midwest. It’s more than just a trade deal; it’s a partnership built on trust and the shared goal of economic growth and food security.”
Jones, the member for Calgary South-East, said Alberta exports to the Midwest were worth more than $70 billion in 2024, including more than $60 billion in crude oil alone.
Alberta’s corporate tax rate of eight per cent, along with its more than 500,000 skilled workers in wide range of industries, make the province ripe for American investment.
“With American companies seeking stability and growth, Alberta is the ideal place to expand. The numbers speak for themselves,” said Jones. “Alberta’s business-friendly environment is fuelling job creation and economic opportunities, making it the top destination for investment from the U.S. Midwest.”
George Lee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Macleod Gazette
