Tariff threat in Canada puts Alberta Premier on divergent track

Danielle Smith with Donald Trump. / X/@ABDanielleSmith

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s refusal to participate in the joint statement between the Government of Canada and the Council of the Federation of Premiers has earned the wrath of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Instead of “putting Canada first,” she put her province first.

A meeting of the Premiers convened by Ontario Premier Doug Ford to discuss the situation arising from the threats of US President-elect Donald Trump to levy a 25 per cent tariff on all imports from Canada reached near unanimity but for the dissent by the Alberta Premier. Danielle Smith, however, dissented.

“Canada and the United States have the closest and most successful partnership in the world. At their meeting today, Canada’s First Ministers reiterated that the two countries are stronger, more prosperous, and safer when they work together, a joint communique issued after the First Ministers' meeting.

“First Ministers discussed ways to protect Canadian families, workers, and employers from the consequences of possible U.S. tariffs, which would cause economic harm to Canadians and Americans alike. Trade and investment between Canada and the U.S. supports millions of jobs on both sides of the border and helps ensure the secure flow of goods and people between countries. They will continue to work together, standing up for Canadians in the face of unjustified and unreasonable U.S. tariffs.

“Collaborative efforts will continue to try to prevent U.S. tariffs, including actions taken by the federal government to strengthen border security and curb the flow of illicit drugs, such as fentanyl, into Canadian and American communities.

Danielle Smith said Alberta would not agree to impose tariffs on energy or other products being exported to the United States.

She conveyed her dissent in a statement while Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the other Canadian premiers vowed a collaborative approach to any tariffs, and promised support for businesses and regions that could be hard hit. The federal government has not yet released details of the full response.

Reacting to Danielle Smith’s dissent, Justin Trudeau said: “Certainly, I don’t blame Danielle Smith for speaking up for her industry.” Trudeau said at a press conference “That’s part of her job.

“But every single premier other than Danielle Smith then chose to put Canada first and say, ‘we’re all part of Team Canada because what happens to any part of us happens to all of us, and we will be there to respond strongly, to fight for Canada, and to do it in a united way that makes sure that it’s fair across all industries, across all regions.’

“So, yes, premiers should be advocating for their industries, their own communities, but they should also put their country first, as every single premier except Danielle Smith did.”

Smith, who joined the meeting with the premiers and prime minister virtually since she is on vacation, said she would take “whatever actions are needed to protect the livelihoods of Albertans from destructive federal policies.”

“We also urge our entire nation to use this tariff threat as an opportunity to correct the misguided direction of this country and commence multiple infrastructure projects that focus on developing, upgrading and exporting our oil, gas and other natural resources,” the Alberta premier wrote.

In a post on X, she offered her own version of what it means to be on “Team Canada.” In part, she said it’s about not “threatening the livelihoods of tens of thousands of Albertans and Canadians via an energy export tax or ban.”

It’s all in response to U.S. President-elect Trump’s proposed 25 percent levy on all Canadian goods—including Alberta’s mainstay oil and gas exports—which he promised to impose shortly after taking office on Monday. He has also suggested that the tariffs are part of a larger strategy to annex Canada through “economic force.”

Smith has cautioned Ottawa against blocking energy exports to the U.S. in response to tariffs, calling it an “empty threat” that would spark a national unity crisis. The Alberta premier travelled to the US for a face-to-face meeting with Trump at his Mar-a-Lago home in Florida.

The First Ministers meeting held that “the federal plan announced in December invests in cutting-edge technology, empowering law enforcement, and ensuring that only those eligible to remain in Canada do so. First Ministers agreed that the federal government, in collaboration with all orders of government, local police, and authorities, will continue to bolster security at the border and strengthen the immigration system. The plan must also include measures to tighten the visa issuance policy to prevent arrivals to Canada under false pretences. Law enforcement across the country will work together to further build trust and confidence among U.S. decision-makers that Canada takes its border responsibilities seriously and is taking action.

“First Ministers agreed that enhancing security must be undertaken by authorities on both sides of the Canada-U.S. border to stop the flow of illegal firearms.

“First Ministers agreed to continue united advocacy efforts with key U.S. Administration, Congressional, and business leaders to emphasize the negative impacts of U.S. tariffs on American national interests and the U.S. economy. Cooperation with Canada offers significant complementary benefits to U.S. priorities.

“While they are making every effort to prevent U.S tariffs, First Ministers are committed to continuing to work together on a full range of measures to ensure a robust response to possible U.S. tariffs, including supports for sectors, businesses, and individuals. If the federal government implements retaliatory measures, it will ensure the rapid availability of substantial resources that effectively mitigate economic impacts to workers and businesses. This includes but is not limited to, the distribution of revenues from potential retaliatory tariffs as quickly as possible. They agreed to take a collaborative approach to U.S. engagement that recognizes the unique economic needs of all provinces and territories.

“First Ministers acknowledged the importance of increasing defence spending and meeting the NATO 2 per cent target as quickly as possible, recognizing its critical connection to strategic infrastructure and Canada’s economic and security partnership with the U.S. and other allies. They further agreed that collective action must be taken to safeguard Arctic security and sovereignty.

“First Ministers agreed to advance the development of high economic impact projects, including transportation and infrastructure projects, working in partnership with Indigenous Peoples toward economic reconciliation. These projects support Canada’s economic growth and allow Canada to provide the U.S. with more of the energy, critical minerals, and other goods and services it needs to fuel shared economic growth.

“First Ministers will continue working closely together on Canada-U.S. relations and agreed to meet weekly following President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20, 2025.

“First Ministers agreed that Canada is a proud and sovereign nation, committed to upholding its values and responsibilities on the global stage. As a strong, independent country, we make decisions that reflect the best interests of our citizens, while actively contributing to global peace and stability. We stand firm in our resolve to protect our borders, support our communities, and collaborate with international partners to address common challenges.”

“We also urge our entire nation to use this tariff threat as an opportunity to correct the misguided direction of this country and commence multiple infrastructure projects that focus on developing, upgrading and exporting our oil, gas and other natural resources,” the Alberta premier wrote.

She offered her own version of what it means to be on “Team Canada” in a post on X Thursday, saying, in part, it’s about not “threatening the livelihoods of tens of thousands of Albertans and Canadians via an energy export tax or ban.”

It’s all in response to U.S. President-elect Trump’s proposed 25 per cent levy on all Canadian goods — including Alberta’s mainstay oil and gas exports — which he promised to impose shortly after taking office Monday. He has also suggested the tariffs are part of a larger strategy to annex Canada through “economic force.”

Smith has cautioned Ottawa against blocking energy exports to the U.S. in response to tariffs, calling it an “empty threat” that would spark a national unity crisis. The Alberta premier travelled south this weekend for a face-to-face meeting with Trump at his Mar-a-Lago home in Florida, where she posed with Canadian businessman and TV star Kevin O’Leary.

In a lengthy response when asked about Smith, Justin Trudeau said standing up Canada goes both ways — including when Alberta’s interests matter most.

“That’s why Canadian taxpayers bought the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion, TMX, to be able to get Albertan oil to new markets,” Trudeau said. “That was an investment that all Canadians made, that the Alberta government is making billions of dollars off of because, in what was a very difficult decision, the federal government made the decision to purchase and build and complete that pipeline.

“That’s an example of all Canadians standing up for Alberta and getting it done.”

The media reports suggest that Danielle Smith received backlash from other premiers for refusing to sign the joint statement. Ontario Premier Doug Ford said Smith was playing into the hands of Trump, while Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston said she would “have to explain her position.”

“It’s the oldest negotiation tactic in the world — divide and conquer — so I don’t think we should play into that strategy,” Houston said Thursday. “As a country, we should stay unified.”

Justin Trudeau also aimed at Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, who has not said if he would consider suspending Canadian energy exports or imposing tariffs on them if the Trump administration follows through on its threat of tariffs.

“I think it’s very clear that right now, Pierre Poilievre, who wants to be prime minister for all Canadians, has a choice to make: either he stands up to fight for all Canadians — alongside all premiers and the federal government that are doing that — or he chooses to stand with Danielle Smith, Kevin O’Leary, and ultimately, Donald Trump.”

Pierre Poilievre, the reports said, sidestepped questions about his position.

“I’m also going to unite our country,” he said. “I know the Liberals want to win elections by dividing Canadians from one province to another.

According to Poilievre, Canada is now “dependent” on the Americans “because of the Liberals and the radical ‘leftists'” who, he says, have rejected economic development and prevented the construction of oil pipelines and natural gas plants that would have allowed energy products to be sold directly to other countries overseas.