Premier Danielle Smith responds to Canada-U.S. tariff discussion

Premier Danielle Smith met with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and incoming U.S. president-elect Donald Trump to discuss the future of Canada-U.S. business relations once Trump begins his presidency in January.

Trump has promised to impose tariffs at the start of his presidency, saying he plans to keep the tariffs in place until Canada and Mexico stop illegal border crossings and prevent drugs such as fentanyl from entering the U.S.

Premier Danielle Smith says the focus of the discussion between the leaders was oil and gas pipelines.

“It is telling that one of the primary topics of discussion between incoming president Donald Trump and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was oil and gas pipelines. It once again demonstrates that the path to strong security and economic relationships with the United States is directly tied to our nation’s commitment to providing the United States with the oil and gas it requires to achieve its energy security and affordability goals,” said Smith.

Smith doubles down on her belief that Trudeau plays a key role in ensuring Canada and the U.S. relations remain strong.

“We therefore reiterate our call to the Prime Minister to immediately scrap the Canadian oil and gas production cap and work with Alberta and all provinces to secure the border from illegal drugs and illegal migrants and, critically, to commence work on additional pipeline infrastructure between Canada and the United States.”

On Tuesday, Smith tweeted that Canada and the U.S. share a $188 billion trade partnership that supports many Canadians’ livelihoods and therefore it is vital “to address concerns head-on to protect and strengthen this vital relationship.”