Finance minister says Alberta is central to Canada's energy strategy amid U.S. trade tensions

Federal Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne told Edmonton Chamber of Commerce members Wednesday that Alberta is essential to Canada's economic future as the country navigates escalating trade tensions with the United States.

"Alberta is front and centre in the growth of our nation," Champagne said. "This is a generational opportunity that we have. The world is looking at Canada to be the energy partner of choice."

Champagne's visit came hours after U.S. President Donald Trump unveiled executive orders late Tuesday banning Canadian alcoholic beverages, dairy products, and motorcycles from American markets, while adding more products to a list facing tariffs.

Despite the escalating trade conflict, Champagne said Canada is in "position of strength" and called unity essential amid "great uncertainty" ahead of a fall referendum. He emphasized Canada's role as an energy partner while signalling the need to diversify beyond the U.S. market.

"Canada has always been a very trusted partner to the United States when it comes to energy, and I think this is being noticed south of the border," Champagne told reporters. "Canada has the resources that the world is seeking, and at the same time, while we maintain our relationship with the United States, it's also a time for us to diversify."

Champagne said Ottawa's counter-measures to the U.S. tariffs are "proportionate, strategic and targeted" and that Canada is maintaining a "level playing field."

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has cautioned against further escalation in the trade dispute. Smith previously resisted Ottawa's "Team Canada" energy-export strategy in August and said earlier this month that U.S. trade demands were "too painful" for Canada to accept.