Alberta and Saskatchewan seen as key U.S. oil suppliers, ambassador says

The U.S. ambassador to Canada said Alberta and Saskatchewan could be among the strongest options to help meet growing American oil demand over the next decade. Pete Hoekstra made the remarks Monday at the Pacific Northwest Economic Region summit in Edmonton, where he said the U.S. will need several million additional barrels of oil per day. Hoekstra said Canada remains an important energy partner for the United States, especially for national security and economic reasons. He also said the trade relationship between the two countries is still under discussion, even as negotiations continue over the CanadaU.S.Mexico trade agreement. The ambassador said the U.S. is also looking at cooperation in other areas, including critical minerals, and argued that the crossborder relationship should continue to grow. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith also addressed the summit, telling attendees that the region can prosper only if Canada and the U.S. keep working together.