Alberta Premier Rachel Notley may be getting ready to retaliate on proposed U.S. steel tariffs.

“Increased tariffs will put jobs at risk just as our economy is recovering,” a spokesperson from Notley’s office told BNN in an email. “Just as we did when it came to the recent attacks from B.C. on our economy we’ll continue to stand up for Alberta manufacturers and workers and fight for Alberta jobs and our industry.”  

The United States is Canada’s top market for steel exports, with Alberta alone exporting $500 million worth of steel south of the border annually, according to a government spokesperson. 

Notley’s office said they’re still trying to determine the full extent of the U.S. plan and how it will impact Canada, but said it’s clear the tariffs will have a major impact on Alberta.  

“It’s clear that this new unfair tariff will have a considerable impact on our manufacturers and our industry,” the spokesperson said.  

The comments come just weeks after Notley fought back against a perceived threat to the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion project from the B.C. government.  

Notley imposed a temporary ban on wine imports from Alberta’s western neighbour after B.C. Premier John Horgan put forth five proposals intended to limit risks tied to oil sands spills, including one to restrict the increase in shipments of diluted bitumen through the province.

Notley lifted the ban after Horgan said his province would not proceed with its regulatory restrictions and would let the courts to address the issue instead.

Horgan's office told BNN they are not looking at retaliatory measures at this point, but that they are prepared to defend B.C. steel and aluminum producers by supporting an appeal through NAFTA and the WTO.