Albertans watching closely as Ottawa tries to talk down Trump tariffs

Alberta's politicians and business community will have eyes on Florida this weekend, following a federal government outreach trip.

Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly and newly appointed Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc travelled to Palm Beach on Friday to further discussions with members of the future Donald Trump administration.

The duo will push Canada's new $1.3-billion border plan with the president-elect's transition team less than four weeks before he takes office.

Trump has threatened to impose a new 25 per cent import tariff on Canada.

"Those I know in the business community, they're telling me that they're preparing for the strong likelihood that these tariffs do, in fact, come on," said Scott Crockatt, Business Council of Alberta vice-president.

"Now, what form they'll take when they come into place and what the actual percentages are, are really great unknowns."

Panic is rising in the energy-driven province as the Jan. 20 inauguration creeps closer without a firm trade deal.

Alberta would be one of the Canadian areas hit hardest by a 25 per cent tax.

"(These tariffs) could throw Canada into a recession next year all on their own and cost 150,000 Canadian jobs," Crockatt told CTV News.

"The impact on Alberta alone could be $30 (billion) to $40 billion a year. That's like two mega projects in Alberta not happening every single year that these take place.

"So, I think we need to take them really, really seriously and be very concerned. In a trade war, everybody loses."

Fact-finding mission

According to their offices, Joly and LeBlanc will look to build off conversations with Trump and the prime minister at Mar-a-Lago last month.

Mount Royal University political science professor Keith Brownsey believes it's a difficult tariff negotiation, regardless of what Canada is promising to do at the border.

"It's a horrible situation for Canada to be in, but I don't think there's anything we can do about it," Brownsey said.

"They have to consult with Trump. ... Not only Trump, but all the advisers around him. This isn't a bad idea."

Premier Washington-bound

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has made repeated attempts on social media to communicate with Trump.

It's unclear if her approach has been successful.

She'll be in Washington late next month to watch the new president be sworn in, and hopes to meet with "energy groups, congresspeople and various officials," according to a press secretary.

Smith's office says planning is still underway for the trip, so the premier's itinerary is not final.