OTTAWA — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau criticized Alberta Premier Danielle Smith on Thursday, accusing her of being the only provincial leader to act against Canada’s national interest by refusing to endorse a collective statement addressing U.S. president-elect Donald Trump’s tariff threats.
During a meeting in Ottawa on Wednesday, Trudeau and Canada’s 13 provincial and territorial leaders discussed strategies to strengthen relations with the U.S. in light of Trump’s proposed 25-percent tariff on Canadian exports. The group also deliberated on potential retaliatory measures.
Smith, who attended virtually, declined to add Alberta’s name to a joint statement affirming the premiers’ unified stance against the tariffs and their commitment to exploring all response options. Earlier, she had criticized suggestions of leveraging Alberta’s oil resources as a negotiating tool, asserting that such measures could harm her province’s economy.
Speaking in Windsor, Ontario, Trudeau emphasized that while premiers should advocate for their provinces, they also have a responsibility to prioritize national interests. “Every single premier, except Danielle Smith, chose to put Canada first,” he said, adding that he did not “blame” Smith for advocating for Alberta’s oil sector but expressed disappointment in her decision.
In response, Smith’s spokesperson pointed to her social media post where she criticized Trudeau’s “Team Canada” approach and outlined five energy policy demands, including an end to federal threats of energy export tariffs or bans targeting the U.S. Smith has stated Alberta will not support export tariffs or bans on energy products destined for the U.S.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford, chair of the premiers’ group, also criticized Smith’s stance, emphasizing the need for a united front in addressing U.S. tariff threats. Both Ford and Trudeau underscored that all policy options must remain on the table.
As Trump’s inauguration approaches in four days, Canadian officials, including Energy and Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson, have been meeting with U.S. lawmakers to gauge potential tariff plans. Wilkinson reported uncertainty, noting options ranging from a 10-percent tariff to an incremental increase up to 25 percent.
Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly warned that Canada would retaliate if Trump proceeds with the tariffs.
Trudeau also questioned Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre’s position on the issue, suggesting he may align with Smith’s views. Poilievre declined to explicitly support or oppose potential export restrictions, instead criticizing Liberal policies that he claimed have hindered pipeline and LNG infrastructure development, making Canada’s energy sector overly reliant on U.S. markets. This dependency, Poilievre argued, has given Trump leverage in threatening tariffs.
Comments