As U.S. President Donald Trump threatens sweeping 25% tariffs on Canadian imports, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has calleda for diplomacy over retaliation to safeguard Canada’s trade relationship with the U.S. Speaking from Washington, D.C., during a series of meetings, Smith emphasized the need to maintain a tariff-free trade environment and strengthen bilateral ties.
Smith urged Canadian leaders to avoid public discussions of retaliatory measures, highlighting the importance of presenting Canada as a reliable trade partner. While Trump has linked the tariff threat to issues like immigration and drug trafficking, Smith sees his pro-oil policies as an opportunity for Alberta. She encouraged energy companies to seize the moment to revive stalled pipeline projects, citing the U.S.’s dependence on Canadian oil to meet its energy demands.
The Premier’s approach has drawn criticism from other Canadian leaders, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who pledged a robust response if tariffs are imposed. Trudeau stated that “everything is on the table,” including dollar-for-dollar retaliatory tariffs. Opposition leaders, including Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre and Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi, have echoed calls for stronger federal and provincial strategies to support industries impacted by the potential tariffs.
Smith has also advocated for revisiting past pipeline proposals, such as the Keystone XL and Northern Gateway pipelines, though companies like Enbridge have no plans to resurrect these projects. Meanwhile, analysts warn that Trump’s “drill, baby, drill” policy could signal reduced U.S. demand for Canadian oil in the long term, urging Canada to diversify its export markets.
While Smith’s efforts to lobby U.S. officials have been met with mixed reactions, she remains focused on diplomacy, believing that Alberta’s energy sector can play a pivotal role in strengthening U.S.-Canada trade relations amid growing economic tensions.