OTTAWA — The nation’s premiers emerged from a key assembly about Canada-U.S. relations in Ottawa on Wednesday with a message of unity and a pledge to face collectively, with one exception: Alberta’s Danielle Smith, who mentioned she can not assist the federal authorities’s plan if vitality export tariffs might be part of it.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who chaired the primary ministers’ assembly, mentioned it was “extremely productive.”
“We have now a shared sense of objective, a shared sense of understanding, and a dedication to face collectively on a united path ahead,” he mentioned.
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe, who has lengthy been a vocal critic of Trudeau’s Liberal authorities, started Wednesday by echoing Smith’s issues that blocking vitality exports to the US would set off a nationwide unity disaster.
After the assembly, he struck a diplomatic tone.
“Canadians might be grateful their 13 premiers, the prime minister and some federal ministers are coming collectively not solely to hash out what these variations is perhaps, however to know the place we will come collectively,” Moe mentioned.
However because the premiers spoke to reporters in Ottawa, Smith, who attended the assembly remotely whereas on trip and did not participate within the press convention, took to social media to elucidate why she refused to signal a joint assertion along with her colleagues.
“Alberta will merely not comply with export tariffs on our vitality or different merchandise, nor will we assist a ban on exports of those similar merchandise. We are going to take no matter actions are wanted to guard the livelihoods of Albertans from such harmful federal insurance policies,” mentioned Smith.
She added that Canada must “right the misguided path of this nation” and concentrate on growing, upgrading and exporting oil and fuel and different assets.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford, chair of the Council of the Federation, mentioned he respects that Smith is worried with defending Alberta vitality however he believes incoming U.S. president Donald Trump is making an attempt to divide and conquer.
“He is coming full-tilt at Canadians as an entire, and that is one factor we have now to know. We should be united,” Ford mentioned.
Trump has threatened to impose a 25 per cent tariff on all Canadian items starting on Jan. 20, inauguration day.
Whereas he initially mentioned the tariffs have been being imposed in response to medicine and unlawful immigration crossing the shared border, he has since pivoted to citing the US’ commerce deficit with Canada.
Senior authorities officers have beforehand mentioned Ottawa is imposing retaliatory tariffs on issues like American metal, ceramics, plastics and orange juice.
Trudeau mentioned Wednesday he helps the precept of a dollar-for-dollar response to the American tariffs, however mentioned Canada should wait to see what Trump truly does subsequent week earlier than laying out a response.
“We’ll ensure that it is honest throughout the nation, however nothing might be off the desk if the U.S. continues to decide on to maneuver ahead with these punishing tariffs on each Canadians and Individuals,” Trudeau mentioned.
He additionally opened the door to offering federal bailouts for industries or areas which might be affected by tariffs.
“We have made the dedication to do every little thing we will, and I do know everybody across the desk has agreed to, if their area is much less impacted, they will do what they’ll to assist out areas which might be extra impacted,” he mentioned.
Canada is the highest provider of overseas oil to the U.S. and accounts for about one-fifth of its oil provide.
Power Pure Sources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson, who was in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, mentioned preliminary retaliatory tariffs shall be focused.
“If we have now to do extra we are going to take a look at different issues, however the thought of tariffing vitality will in all probability be one of many final issues,” he mentioned.
Trudeau and the premiers mentioned they plan to proceed making the case to the Trump administration that tariffs will harm American companies and trade, too.
“The query that we ask ourselves at the start is, if the brand new administration chooses to usher in tariffs, what’s it that we will try this end result within the lifting of these tariffs as rapidly as potential?” Trudeau mentioned.
This report by The Canadian Press was first printed Jan. 15, 2025.
Sarah Ritchie and David Baxter, The Canadian Press
