Alberta premier resists 'Team Canada' energy-export strategy as trade war deepens

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is taking a markedly different approach than other Canadian premiers to the 50 per cent U.S. tariffs now in effect, resisting pressure to use energy exports as a negotiating lever.

While Ontario Premier Doug Ford and other premiers backed Prime Minister Mark Carney's decision to impose dollar-for-dollar counter-tariffs on U.S. goods, Smith expressed concern on her radio show that retaliation would harm Alberta farmers, furniture makers and other exporters. She called for a return to bargaining and warned that cutting energy exports "would be extremely harmful to Canadians and is not a viable option."

Ford pressed Smith publicly Monday to adopt a "Team Canada approach," saying all provinces must "sing off the same song sheet." He noted that Canada supplies 99 per cent of U.S. natural gas imports, 85 per cent of electricity, and 60 per cent of crude oil — a powerful lever if wielded together. Smith said she spoke with Ford but maintained her position.

Political scientist Elizabeth Smythe said Smith's diplomatic tone reflects Alberta's dependence on the U.S. oil market. "The U.S. is not going to stop importing those fossil fuels," Smythe said. "She thinks what she's doing is the better approach. Now, whether all Albertans agree with that is another story."

Smith has previously pursued what she called a charm offensive in the U.S., including a visit to Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago home in Florida. As HighOnCity reported in August, she said U.S. trade demands were "too painful" for Canada to accept — a more cautious stance than most other provincial leaders have taken publicly.