Alberta Premier Says U.S. Midterm Sweep Validates Anti‑Tariff Stance
Premier Danielle Smith hailed the Democratic sweep in the U.S. midterms as proof that Alberta’s refusal to impose retaliatory tariffs is the right approach.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith told the Legislative Assembly on Wednesday that the recent U.S. midterm elections “are a vindication of our approach when it comes to tariffs.” She said the Democratic victories, which ended Republican control of both houses of Congress, signal an opportunity to improve Canada‑U.S. relations.
Trade‑policy context In February 2026 the U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution to block President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Canada by a vote of 219‑211, with virtually all Democrats supporting the measure. A Reuters/Ipsos poll found 57 % of American respondents explicitly opposed those tariffs, while about 20 % were unaware or had no opinion on the trade war.
New procurement policy Following the election results, Smith’s government announced a policy that will give preference to Albertan and Canadian firms for small‑government contracts. Service Alberta Minister Dale Nally said the measure could affect about $350 million in spending – roughly five per cent of procurement contracts – and noted that 95 % of current contracts already go to Canadian companies.
"It is a vindication of our approach when it comes to tariffs," Premier Smith said. "We’re putting local businesses first, supporting Canadian suppliers and making sure more of our government spending helps create opportunities and jobs here at home," she added.
Opposition response NDP leader Naheed Nenshi argued the United Conservative Party is two years late on the policy, saying the province missed “wealth and jobs” by not acting sooner after Trump’s 2024 re‑election. He also criticised a government bill requiring post‑secondary institutions to develop neutrality policies, calling it a culture‑war issue.