Pipelines Over Punishment: Premiers Reject Export Taxes as Economic Risk

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe have both come out against export taxes on oil and gas. Speaking in separate addresses, they warned that such a policy would be 'disastrous' for the Canadian economy.

Smith specifically stated that cutting off or taxing Alberta's oil exports to the US would lead to devastating consequences, including the loss of hundreds of thousands of jobs in Alberta, Ontario, and Quebec. She also noted that if Canada were to impose a 50% tariff on oil exports, the US would likely retaliate with similar measures.

Smith argued that instead of export taxes, the focus should be on strengthening relationships with international trading partners, breaking down interprovincial trade barriers, and supporting Canadian workers and businesses. She also called for support to move forward on pipeline projects, such as the one to the west coast, to open up new markets for Alberta oil.