Alaska Legislature Moves to Strengthen Ties with Canada Amid Trade Tensions

JUNEAU — The Alaska Legislature is poised to formally honor the state’s longstanding relationship with Canada amidst rising tensions under the Trump administration. Following President Trump’s controversial trade measures, including the threat of annexation and tariffs on Canada, the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia is contemplating a toll on trucks transporting goods to Alaska.

The Alaska Legislature’s non-binding resolution, which opposes “restrictive trade measures or tolls,” was approved by the Senate on Monday with a 13-6 vote, predominantly supported by the bipartisan Senate majority. This resolution now awaits concurrence from the House before being forwarded to President Trump, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, and Alaska’s congressional delegation.

Senate majority leader Cathy Giessel emphasized the vital military and economic ties between the U.S. and Canada, highlighting concerns from border communities about the negative impacts of the ongoing trade war. Reports indicate a significant decline in Canadian visitors, prompting a 30% drop in registrations for summer events in the Alaskan border town of Haines.

Giessel stressed that Canada plays a crucial role in supplying Alaska with fresh produce and other essential goods, supporting over 20,000 jobs linked to cross-border trade. “Keeping our partnership with Canada alive isn’t just good policy, it’s critical to the way we live,” she asserted.

However, the resolution faced opposition from some Republican lawmakers, with Wasilla Sen. Mike Shower expressing concerns that it could be interpreted as a criticism of Trump’s policies. Shower suggested practical negotiations with Canadian officials as a more effective solution than a mere resolution.

As the Alaska Legislature continues to address these trade dynamics, it underscores the importance of maintaining cooperative relations for the benefit of the state’s economy.

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