Smith says Alberta to continue stocking American alcohol amid new tariff threats

Posted on August 13, 2026 by Ryan Dahlman

Southern Alberta Newspapers

Amid renewed tariff threats from the United States, Premier Danielle Smith says the province will not join the majority of Canada in taking American products off the shelves in Alberta liquor stores.

Alberta and Saskatchewan stand alone among Canadian provinces in continuing to carry American alcohol in liquor stores. While they joined the rest of the country in the initial pull of U.S. product in February last year, both the prairie provinces resumed importing American alcohol in June 2025.

Despite government leaders discussing an all-hands-on-deck approach to combatting the recent round of tariffs, which are scheduled to hit select Canadian exports with a 50 per cent tariff starting Aug. 19, Smith says U.S. liquor will not be considered in Alberta’s response.

“Circus appeals to every kid,” Shelley says, “but the kids that really thrive are the ones that maybe are not your typical sports-minded kid. In circus, they can find a skill that they can really go along with.”

During the week, campers will get a taste of every discipline Green Fools offers, such as juggling, unicycle, stilt walking, aerial arts, acrobatics, and partner balancing. Once they find the skills that spark their imagination, instructors help them focus on what they love most. The week finishes with a community show, where families get to see just how far their kids have come.

And they come far, fast.

“They get so far in a week that you’re actually amazed,” Shelley says. “I’ve asked parents, and they’re just like, how did that happen?”

Confidence That Lasts

The magic, according to Shelley, is in the way kids stretch themselves.

“They build confidence because they set their own boundaries, and then they break their own boundaries, and they set another one, and then they exceed it,” she explains. “They do amazing things in that one week, and they build relationships with people. They get confidence in themselves.”

That impact tends to stay with a community long after the circus has left town.

“It’s got such a ripple effect in their lives,” Shelley says. “Usually, they come out of their shells a little bit and they find something that they connect with. It’s a very special program.”

What to Bring

Because the camp is hands-on and physical, Shelley has a few tips for campers. The program is very physical, so comfortable, fitted clothing is a must.

“Not a loose top, because they’re going to be upside down,” she says. “We want them to be covered, but we want them to be comfortable.”

Beyond that, the most important thing is attitude. As Shelley puts it, campers should arrive “with an open mind, and ready to play.”

Ready to Register?

Space is limited. Families interested in signing up should register children ages 8-16 through FCSS. There is a fee ($25) for children not already enrolled in the FCSS Summer Fun Program, and subsidies are available upon request.

For more information, call Dyllan in Bow Island at 403-545-6222, or email bisumfun@gmail.com; or, Abby in Foremost at 403-867-3077 or email 4mostsumfun@gmail.com.