Federal Industry Minister Joly tight-lipped on leveraging Alberta energy with U.S.

Minister of Industry Melanie Joly speaks as Minister of Finance and National Revenue Francois-Philippe Champagne looks on, during a news conference on Canada's response to U.S. tariffs, at a roofing company in Ottawa, on Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang)

Canada’s industry minister is deflecting questions about whether the country will use Alberta’s abundant energy exports as leverage in the tense trade war with the United States.

Mélanie Joly, pressed by reporters in Calgary over whether oil and gas shipments may be on the table, isn’t tipping Ottawa’s hand.

Joly says the federal government doesn’t negotiate in public and that she trusts Prime Minister Mark Carney to lead the country’s approach.

Talks between the two countries broke off last week, triggering new tariffs from U.S. President Donald Trump and the announcement of counter-tariffs from Carney.

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Alberta Premier Danielle Smith insists oil and gas must not be part of the fight.

She has said cutting off or taxing energy exports would hurt Canadians and deprive the country of money it could use to buttress other sectors that will feel the brunt of Trump’s tariffs.

Joly says Canada is in a position of strength and that her goal is to help businesses weather the economic storm.

“We have many cards in our hand and, of course, we have many hands to play,” she said Wednesday.

Smith was set to speak about the tariff dispute later Wednesday from Grande Prairie, Alta.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 26, 2026.

The Canadian Press