Post Event | Beyond Borders: A new chapter in Canada-U.S. relations

On April 3, the Calgary Chamber hosted Beyond Borders: A new chapter in Canada-U.S. Relations. This event featured a panel discussion with Premier of Alberta, Hon. Danielle Smith; Ed Rihn, President & CEO, BHE Canada; Shaun Stevenson, President & CEO, Prince Rupert Port Authority; and Gary Mar, President & CEO, Canada West Foundation, moderated by Calgary Chamber President & CEO, Deborah Yedlin. The discussion covered all aspects of Canada and Alberta’s relationship with the United States, and how we can build a more resilient economy in light of shifting geopolitical trends.

The discussion opened with analysis of President Trump’s April 2 tariff announcements, their impact to Alberta and Canada, and the Government of Canada’s response. Premier Smith noted the severe impact these tariffs are already having across Canada’s auto sector, a brief overview of the first minister’s meeting and the need for Canada to take a proportionate response – avoiding escalation and aligning with all provinces and territories. Mr. Mar provided his analysis of the ultimate motivation of President Trump’s actions: rebalancing international trade and raising significant revenues. Mr. Stevenson discussed the need for expanded trade infrastructure capacity, and how ports can operate as enabling infrastructure to diversify our trading markets. Mr. Rihn provided his analysis of sentiment in the U.S., and the situation regarding the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), how we got here and what the future of a trade agreement between Canada and the United States may be.

Panellists provided in-depth analysis of Canada’s current relationship with the United States, trade relationships with other nations, and what measures governments must consider in the long and short term to support Canadian workers and businesses. Panellists discussed:

• The deeply integrated nature of Canada and the United States supply chains, especially in the auto industry.  
• The progress made to bring down internal trade barriers, including labour regulations.  
• How to leverage government involvement to get large scale infrastructure projects completed.  
• The need for policy certainty and durability, ensuring that businesses have the long-term stability needed to make investments.  

Panellists closed by noting the potential progress that we can make as a country, driven by this crisis. Bringing down internal trade barriers, developing large-scale national infrastructure projects, building national economic corridors and trade enabling infrastructure, and diversifying our trade and international relationships to support a prosperous Canada.

Special thanks to our presenting sponsor, Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers, and our supporting sponsors, ATB Financial, ConocoPhillips Canada, Enbridge, Imperial Oil, MEG Energy, Navigator, Prince Rupert Port Authority and RGO.