The key facts

  • The Democrats gained control of both chambers of the US Congress in the midterm elections
  • Danielle Smith called the result a 'confirmation' of Alberta's approach to tariffs
  • The Alberta government introduced a priority for local and Canadian companies in small government contracts

Elections as an argument in a trade dispute

Premier of the Canadian province of Alberta Danielle Smith said in the legislative assembly that the results of the US midterm elections, in which the Democrats gained control of both chambers of Congress, 'confirm' her province's approach to tariffs. 'We have always opposed tariffs. We know they harm us. They harm Americans,' CBC News quotes her as saying, as cited by Anadolu. The election results are widely seen as a rebuke of President Donald Trump's policies, including his treatment of trade partners, including Canada.

Alberta's special position

Alberta held a special position among Canadian provinces in the trade dispute with Washington: the province refrained from retaliatory tariffs and trade measures, betting on diplomacy instead. The only retaliatory measure was a brief suspension of American alcohol sales in 2025, and Smith herself consistently opposed using oil and gas exports as an economic weapon. Smith expressed hope that the election results would open up an opportunity to improve relations between Canada and the US, and pointed to her government's efforts to build ties on both sides of the border, including with Democrat, California Senator Adam Schiff.

At the same time — priority for our own

Despite its diplomatic line, the Alberta government earlier on Wednesday announced a new measure: priority for Alberta and Canadian companies in awarding small government contracts. 'We are putting local business first, supporting Canadian suppliers and making sure more of our government spending creates opportunities and jobs here at home,' Anadolu quotes Smith as saying. The measures apply to future contracts, while existing agreements will be reviewed upon expiry. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, commenting on the elections at a briefing in Ottawa, said his government 'is focused on Canada's sovereignty, greater independence,' adding that what is happening in the US matters, but the country is moving forward with confidence.