Kenney Slams Alberta's Tariff Strategy: 'We're Giving Away Our Leverage'
Former Alberta Premier Jason Kenney is questioning why his province's oil and gas exports are off the table in the ongoing tariff war with the United States. According to Kenney, Canada has significant leverage over the U.S. through its oil and gas exports.
In an interview, Kenney stated that it makes no sense for Alberta to remove this leverage from the bargaining table, especially as the war heats up. He believes that by taking oil and gas off the table, Canada's negotiating position has been weakened.
Kenney's comments come as Prime Minister Mark Carney's government has announced a series of counter-tariffs to combat U.S. import fees on approximately $28 billion worth of Canadian goods. Premier Danielle Smith has stated that oil and gas will not be part of the fight, citing concerns that it would hurt Canadians and deprive the country of revenue.
Other premiers have expressed support for using every economic tool available to counter U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs.