Alberta Premier pushes for stronger trade ties with India

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith pledged to expand trade and cultural ties with India at the Invest India Invest Canada forum in Edmonton. With Alberta’s India Trade Advisory Committee actively leading efforts, the province joins Saskatchewan, Ontario, and Quebec in strengthening partnerships with India amid U.S. tariff concerns.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has expressed her intent to expand the province’s trade and cultural engagement with India, calling it a vital relationship for the future. In a message to the Canadian Hindu Chamber of Commerce (CHCC), she highlighted Alberta’s enthusiasm to explore fresh avenues of collaboration that build upon historic links with India.

Her remarks were delivered at the fourth Invest India Invest Canada networking forum, held in Edmonton, Alberta’s capital. The event drew participation from business leaders, community representatives, and policymakers, all keen on strengthening bilateral opportunities.

Alberta has set up an India Trade Advisory Committee, chaired by parliamentary secretary Shane Getson, to deepen these partnerships. Getson underlined Alberta’s vision of fostering investment and inclusive growth, stressing that India remains a priority market for the province. He also revealed his plans for a future visit to India to further expand ties.

The CHCC, in a statement, noted that the Edmonton gathering served as a platform to promote investment and build lasting community connections. The focus, it said, was on forging stronger economic partnerships that go hand in hand with cultural understanding.

Alberta is not alone in this pursuit. Saskatchewan, Ontario, and Quebec are also actively engaging with India. Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe has already led multiple trade delegations to India this year, while Quebec seeks to diversify its trade portfolio in steel, aluminium, and copper beyond its reliance on the United States. Ontario, too, continues its regular ministerial-level visits to India.

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Amid rising uncertainties over U.S. tariffs under President Donald Trump’s administration, Canadian provinces appear to be accelerating their outreach to India, identifying the South Asian nation as a reliable partner for economic diversification and sustainable growth.

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