EDMONTON — The Alberta government says a United Conservative Party legislature member is heading to Minnesota to advocate for trade and strong relationships.

Jennifer Johnson, a backbencher in Premier Danielle Smith’s caucus, is to attend the annual Midwestern Legislative Conference in Saint Paul.

An itinerary for the trip says Johnson is set to meet with unnamed U.S. legislators, government officials and business leaders.

The province says lawmakers from 11 U.S. states are to attend the conference and that Johnson will be advocating for Alberta’s interests and shared priorities around energy, trade and agriculture.

The trip comes after trade talks between Canada and the United States broke down last week, kick starting a heated trade war.

Smith has said she doesn’t want to see the situation escalate further, and she’s pushing for Canadian officials double down on diplomacy efforts south of the border.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 28, 2026.

Jack Farrell, The Canadian Press