WATCH: Danielle Smith "betrayed" by Trump in "foolish" tariff war
'This economic attack on our country, combined with Mr. Trump's continued talk of using economic force to facilitate the annexation of our country has broken trust between our two nations in a profound way,' Smith told reporters this afternoon
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is pushing back against new U.S. tariffs, calling them an “economic attack” and a “breach” of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). The tariffs—25% on all Canadian goods and 10% on energy products—were imposed under former President Trump, who has also hinted at forcing Canada into annexation.
Smith denounced the move, emphasizing Alberta’s deep connections with the U.S. but reaffirming its Canadian identity. “Thousands of Albertans have fought to defend our freedoms. We won’t abandon our sovereignty due to economic pressure,” she declared.
FULL: Alberta Premier Danielle Smith blasts President Trump's "betrayal" of the Canada-US relationship by imposing tariffs as she announces the province's response.
— Rebel News (@RebelNewsOnline) March 5, 2025
Smith calls for Canadian provinces to break down trade barriers and to import other goods from countries upholding… pic.twitter.com/yG3Y9ZovL1
In response, Alberta is shifting its procurement policies to prioritize Canadian goods and trade partners who honor CUSMA. The province will also halt purchases of American alcohol and video lottery terminals through the AGLC. Retailers will be encouraged to stock and label Canadian-made products, backed by a government-led advertising campaign.
Smith also plans to strengthen interprovincial free trade and labor mobility agreements, aiming for unrestricted movement of goods and workers across Canada.
As a key energy supplier to the U.S., Alberta holds what Smith calls a “Trump card.” She highlighted that American energy reserves are declining, making Alberta’s oil essential to U.S. energy security. While Alberta currently exports $100 billion in discounted oil to the U.S., Smith is exploring new markets in Asia and Europe until the tariffs are lifted.
Smith will visit the U.S. next week to press for a reversal, believing American consumers will ultimately oppose Trump’s tariffs as prices rise.
Sheila Gunn Reid
Chief Reporter
Sheila Gunn Reid is the Alberta Bureau Chief for Rebel News and host of the weekly The Gunn Show with Sheila Gunn Reid. She's a mother of three, conservative activist, and the author of best-selling books including Stop Notley.
Featured Stories
13:18
04:45
COMMENTS
-
Benoît-François de Champlain commented 2025-03-06 11:10:12 -0500So, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has publicly fallen for this nonsensical trade war narrative, too. [Sigh!] I cannot believe it. -
Robert Pariseau commented 2025-03-06 09:25:21 -0500There is Stockholm Syndrome, and there is Lima Syndrome.
Now we can add (Canadian City) Syndrome to the list. It is where the hostages’ sympathies are not with the governments / administrations of their own country but that of the nation that is fighting said governments and administrations. -
Bernhard Jatzezck commented 2025-03-05 20:55:27 -0500I had expected something better from Smith as she seemed to be the only one dealing with Trudeau in a sensible manner. Alas, she’s chosen to howl with the wolves rather than seeking a way of defusing the situation.
-
jerry stone commented 2025-03-05 19:19:12 -0500we need someone that can negotiate with the US Trump , not a trust fund baby that throws a temper tantrum until mommy gives him what he wants , Canada has a strong hand but weak leaders except for Albrtas Primier . If Slaveland or the Carney barker get in we are dead .
-
Bruce Atchison commented 2025-03-05 18:24:08 -0500Not only Smith but all Canadians have been betrayed. Ottawa politicians want a fight instead of negotiations. And shame on Pierre Poilievre for getting sucked into this idiotic war nonsense. Remember that we only exist because America lets us be a country. Their manifest destiny could have taken the whole continent.
