Danielle Smith Warns Against Oil Tariffs on United States

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith warned that imposing taxes or tariffs on oil exports to the United States would be devastating due to potential counter-attacks from the administration of President Donald Trump. Smith argued that if Canada taxed Alberta oil, the U.S. could respond with tariffs on oil and gas entering Ontario and Quebec, which could cripple those provincial economies and cause fuel shortages at Toronto's Pearson airport.

Smith dismissed the notion of using energy as a political hammer against the U.S., citing a 25-year deal for Venezuelan heavy oil as evidence that Canada lacks a strategic advantage. She advocated for Canada to remain a reliable and stable partner to increase oil sales rather than playing politics with energy resources.

Additionally, Smith refused to remove American alcohol from Alberta shelves, citing free-market principles. She compared the anger Albertans feel toward Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's energy policies to the frustration in Ontario and Quebec over Trump's threats to the auto and steel industries.