Alberta Premier Rejects Oil Export Tariffs as Trade Dispute Escalates

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has rejected calls to tax or curtail oil exports as a response to US tariffs, warning it would be 'disastrous' for Canada's economy. Speaking on Wednesday, Smith said Alberta would support selling more oil to the US if it helps Ottawa close a trade deal with Washington.

Smith formed a new cabinet committee and announced plans for an online portal and concierge service to help businesses affected by tariffs. She also assembled a business advisory committee to provide guidance on how to mitigate the impact of the dispute.

The Canada-US trade dispute escalated in August, with Ottawa imposing $27.6 billion worth of counter-tariffs on US imports starting September 8. Alberta's analysis estimated that about $1.5 billion in Alberta-U.S. trade would be exposed to new tariffs, out of roughly $188 billion in trade.

Smith argued that taxing or curtailing oil exports could prompt the US to retaliate against Canadian energy supplies, leading to major job losses and fuel-supply problems in Central Canada. She suggested increasing domestic east-west energy movement and expanding access to overseas markets instead.