Premiers Doug Ford, Danielle Smith agree to boost trade in new agreement

Premier Doug Ford and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith have agreed to boost trade and a feasibility study of new pipelines and rail lines that would connect the provinces.

Ford and Smith signed two Memorandums of Understanding today outlining several agreements between the provinces.

The premiers have agreed to a feasibility study to determine the cost of new pipelines and rail lines to transport Alberta oil, gas and critical minerals to Ontario’s James Bay.

A commitment was also made that new pipelines and rail lines will use Ontario steel.

They have also agreed to boost trading between the provinces, Alberta saying they will purchase more Ontario vehicles and Ontario will purchase more Alberta alcohol.

Premier Ford says his main goal is to make Canada less reliant on the United States in the face of uncertainty from Donald Trump. He says he hopes to get Ottawa to repeal numerous energy regulations including net-zero targets.

The agreement with Ontario signifies a shared commitment to increasing investment and improving market access to vital industries, according to Premier Smith.

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