Kenney's Oil Export Suggestion Rocks Canada-U.S. Tariff Talks
Former Alberta Premier Jason Kenney has sparked controversy by suggesting that oil exports should be on the table in the ongoing tariff war between Canada and the United States. In an interview, Kenney argued that cutting off oil and gas exports would not be feasible due to central Canada's reliance on U.S.-shipped oil. However, he suggested that export taxes could be a viable option if the U.S. administration intensifies its threats.
Kenney's comments come as Prime Minister Mark Carney's government has announced a string of counter-tariffs to battle punishing U.S. import fees on about $28 billion worth of Canadian goods. Meanwhile, Premier Danielle Smith has maintained that oil and gas will not be part of the fight, citing concerns over hurting Canadians and depriving Canada of revenue.
Other premiers have taken a more aggressive stance, with Ontario's Doug Ford suggesting that Canada can inflict pain on the U.S. through its oil, potash, and uranium exports. In contrast, Alberta Opposition NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi has criticized Smith for publicly dismissing the possibility of using oil exports as leverage.
The province's budget is perennially tied to oil royalties, with Alberta's oil and gas exports to the U.S. valued at close to $111 billion in 2025. The potential economic implications of Kenney's suggestion have been met with skepticism by some, including Jobs Minister Joseph Schow, who warned that potentially risking 140,000 jobs in the oil and gas industry would be 'foolish.'