Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-Francois Blanchet does not follow Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s “Team Canada” approach, suggesting not everything should be on the table when negotiating with the Trump administration.

“If you disrupt the habit of Americans sourcing energy from Quebec and Canada, once they have found other sources of supply, you will be in a very disadvantageous position to negotiate new contracts. In the long term, it’s a bit of a scorched-earth policy,” he said.

Premier Smith shares her concerns about the chaotic leadership vacuum in Canada harming our relationship with the U.S.

She warns about Liberals antagonizing the Trump admin to boost their own chances in an election. pic.twitter.com/1ZhVcAbsEZ

— Rebel News (@RebelNewsOnline) January 21, 2025

“We're in a difficult position because we don't have a government federally with a long enough mandate to be able to sustain the negotiations,” Premier Danielle Smith told reporters on Tuesday. “We're going to see a change in Prime Minister.”

Trudeau, who prorogued Parliament on January 6, will exit the role on March 9, when his successor is selected. The new leader would then resume Parliament after a Throne Speech on March 24.

The matter of prorogation will be heard before the Federal Courts on February 13 and 14 to ascertain its legality. Should the matter not be resolved, and should no opposition party side with the Liberals in a likely March 26 confidence vote, a snap election will be called. 

“There’s 47 days to go, and I hope he [Trudeau] doesn’t continue torching the relationship in the meantime,” said Smith, who contends the premiers will be a “consistent voice over the next number of months” amid the federal upheaval.

Blanchet told the Canadian Press that Ottawa is ‘playing with fire’ by targeting its own oil and electricity exports in retaliation to 25% tariffs slated for Canadian goods. “That’s not how you create the conditions for proper negotiations.”

"My interpretation of the President is that he likes to win": Premier Danielle Smith explains how it's best for Canada and the U.S. to find areas where both countries can work together, instead of sparking a trade war with Trump that Canada can't win. pic.twitter.com/xjUFZV3Sae

— Rebel News (@RebelNewsOnline) January 21, 2025

Regardless of the Liberal leadership vote, Alberta’s Premier says Canadians need an election now so Ottawa can have the “mandate to negotiate” with U.S. President Donald Trump.

“I worry because of politics that certain political leaders are going to try to turn this relationship with Trump into some kind of election issue and damage the relationship.”

Smith blames Trudeau for the budding U.S. tensions, noting “you have to refrain from expressing a preference for who you would like in the White House.”

Trudeau earlier claimed ‘regressive forces’ defeated another woman vying to become president of the United States. “There’s a failure of leadership,” Smith said.

“American negotiators won’t negotiate by pounding their fists on the table,” Blanchet added. “They will eventually negotiate rationally. Reason will prevail.”

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We, the undersigned, stand with Alberta against federal overreach that threatens to cripple our economy and jeopardize the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of Canadians. Alberta has endured enough. The province contributes billions in equalization payments, supports jobs and industries across the country, and has been forced into economic sacrifices for decades. We demand an end to policies that punish Alberta for its resource wealth. Sign this petition to show your support for Alberta’s right to defend its economy, its jobs, and its future.

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