CALGARY, ALTA. – Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Ontario Premier Doug Ford are set to appear together in downtown Calgary on Monday to discuss Canada’s energy policy and the country’s ability to bring its natural resources to market.
The discussion comes as Canada faces a changing geopolitical and trade environment, with the two premiers expected to address how the country can develop and move its natural resources in a world affected by shifting political conditions and international conflicts.
Energy access and market diversification have remained central to Smith’s agenda in Alberta. A particular focus has been placed on increasing the movement of oil toward the British Columbia coast, providing access to markets across Asia.
The conversation also takes place while Canada continues to navigate an ongoing tariff dispute with the United States.
Smith has rejected the idea of using oil as leverage in the tariff dispute with U.S. President Donald Trump. Ford, meanwhile, has publicly said he does not agree that oil should be excluded from the discussion, while maintaining that he and Smith share the view that more oil should move within Canada.
The Calgary meeting comes at a time when energy corridors, pipelines, permitting and interprovincial resource infrastructure are receiving renewed attention. Smith and Ford have previously worked together on proposals to examine new energy corridors connecting Alberta resources with markets in other parts of Canada.
The broader Canadian strategy is also increasingly focused on expanding access to international markets, particularly in the Indo-Pacific. Natural Resources Canada said in September that Canada is seeking to strengthen energy and natural-resource trade links with Asia-Pacific countries while expanding access to global markets.
