Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has appointed Nathan Cooper, the speaker of the province’s legislative assembly, as the new representative in Washington, DC.The appointment is critical as the US continues to strain its relations with Canada through rhetoric and tariffs. On the other hand, Alberta continues to see a rise in its separatist sentiments, as its growing frustration with federal energy policies has fuelled calls for greater autonomy. In this evolving landscape, Alberta must maintain and build on our ties with US officials, and Nathan Cooper is the right choice to fill this important role, Premier Smith stated in a news release.Cooper has been elected as the MLA for Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills since 2015 and as Speaker since 2019, and he will assume his new role in June.He has never held a cabinet post or worked in international affairs, but his tenure has been marked by efforts to make the legislature more accessible to Albertans and by using social media and educational videos to spread awareness about parliamentary procedures.He expressed his commitment to foster Alberta’s relationship with the US and said, I believe that we are at a critical time in our province and our country with respect to how we interact with the world and with the United States of America, he told the assembly. How we do that interaction, I believe, is just as important as what we do to interact. He will also work in navigating trade challenges as President Trump considers implementing tariffs on Canadian exports, including automobiles, steel, aluminum, and even filmmaking, and Alberta will be significantly impacted by tariffs as it supplies approximately 25 per cent of America’s energy needs.Premier Smith has actively engaged with US politicians to advocate against these tariffs and promote Alberta's oil and gas exports. Notably, she met briefly with President Trump at his Mar-a-Lago estate in January, accompanied by outgoing Washington envoy James Rajotte.Nathan’s selection has garnered support across party lines. Former NDP ministers Deron Bilous and Shannon Phillips praised his integrity and dedication. Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi appreciated Cooper's fairness, humanity, and deep respect for parliamentary tradition, despite not having served alongside him.The new speaker’s election is scheduled for Tuesday and triggers a byelection in his rural constituency.Alberta is one of several provinces with an appointed official representing it in Washington to advocate on trade and other issues. Our democracy is important, it's alive and well, it is more accessible and open to an overwhelming majority of Albertans today than it has been at any point in time in our history, Cooper stated while reflecting on his tenure.