Yukon Premier Ranj Pillai at a press conference earlier this year. Premier Pillai announced he will step down as Liberal Leader and not seek re-election. Photo Courtesy of Macklen Linke/CKRW.
Whitehorse, YT – The Alaska Legislature will be debating a resolution that affirms the relationship between Alaska and Canada as President Donald Trump continues to threaten annexation and a trade war with our closest neighbour escalates.
House Joint Resolution 11, presented by Republican Representative Chuck Kopp, recognizes Canadian sovereignty and highlights the importance of trade and cultural ties.
“Today, we are facing global uncertainty and national uncertainty across our border. The temperature is rising between the countries based on economic reasons,” said Kopp. “This resolution recognizes that relationships matter and are far more important than maybe the almighty dollar at times.”
Canada is Alaska’s second-largest trading partner with over $596 million in Alaskan exports and $753 million in imports annually. Additionally, over 20,000 jobs in Alaska’s economy are directly tied to trade with Canada.
Yukon Premier Ranj Pillai provided testimony reiterating that Canada will never be the 51st state and emphasizing the impact U.S. tariffs have had on cross-border trade with Canada.
Pillai urged the Alaska Legislature to pass the resolution while stating that Canada’s tariff response was aimed at protecting the Canadian economy and sovereignty, not alienating the U.S.
“Americans are and will always be our friends, our neighbors and members of our North American family,” said Pillai. “As allies, we want to keep working together, just like we’ve done for the past 150 years.”
Others who provided testimony in support of the resolution include Honorary Consul of Canada Mary Ann Pease, Dawson City Mayor Stephen Johnson and Whitehorse Mayor Kirk Cameron.
The resolution now moves to a full legislative vote.
