Prime Minister Justin Trudeau took a strong stance during a press conference yesterday, criticizing Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s decision to break ranks with her fellow premiers by refusing to sign a national strategy to address potential U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods.
The proposed 25 percent tariffs, targeting Canada’s largest trading partner, are expected to have a severe economic impact. In response, the Council of the Federation convened this week to develop a united plan. However, Smith did not attend in person and declined to endorse the strategy, stating Alberta’s energy sector would not be used as a bargaining tool.
Trudeau, who has announced plans to step down once a new federal leader is chosen, did not hold back when asked about Smith’s decision.
“We made the decision to purchase, build, and complete that pipeline,” he said, referencing federal support for Alberta’s energy sector. “That’s an example of all Canadians standing up for Alberta and getting it done. Premiers should advocate for their industries, yes, but they should also put their country first—as every single premier, except Danielle Smith, has done.”
