Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): The Alberta government has introduced a new online portal where businesses can report how U.S. tariffs and Canadian counter-tariffs are affecting their operations, workers and future growth.
The province says information submitted through the portal will help officials develop a response based on the challenges businesses are experiencing across different sectors.
Companies will be able to share details about the effects of tariffs on areas such as operating costs, investment plans, market access, competitiveness, employment and supply chains.
Premier Danielle Smith said tariffs on both sides of the border are creating additional pressure for businesses and threatening economic growth.
“Alberta businesses create jobs, drive investment and help power the Canadian economy,” Smith said, adding that the province will continue pushing for free and fair trade with the United States while working with businesses to protect employment and investment.
Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration Minister Joseph Schow said gathering direct feedback from companies is particularly important amid continued uncertainty surrounding trade.
He said Alberta’s business community has demonstrated resilience since tariffs were introduced about 18 months ago, adding that the government wants that resilience to continue.
The new initiative comes as Alberta continues to press for a resolution to the tariff dispute through negotiations and diplomacy. The province argues that tariffs and retaliatory measures increase costs, put businesses under financial strain and create risks for workers and families on both sides of the border.
Government coordinates tariff response
The province has also established a cabinet committee involving several ministries to coordinate Alberta’s response and provide support to industries affected by trade measures.
In addition, Premier Smith and Minister Schow recently hosted a meeting of the Alberta Trade Advisory Council, bringing together business and industry representatives from across the province. Participants discussed the specific pressures they are facing as a result of U.S. tariffs and Canadian counter-measures.
The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) welcomed the new effort to gather information directly from companies.
Keyli Loeppky, senior director of Alberta and interprovincial affairs at CFIB, said small and medium-sized businesses can be particularly vulnerable to retaliatory trade measures. She noted that about 60 per cent of small businesses import goods, compared with 20 per cent that export, making support important as companies deal with rising costs and uncertainty.
Business Council of Alberta President Adam Legge also urged affected companies to provide the province with detailed information about the challenges they are experiencing.
Legge said clear and timely information can help governments determine where tariff-related pressures are greatest and develop a response aimed at protecting jobs, investment and economic growth.
The Alberta government said feedback collected through the new portal will be used to identify sector-specific impacts and help guide future decisions as the trade situation continues to evolve.
