Premiers Moe and Smith Oppose Export Taxes on Energy Exports

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe have spoken out against export taxes on energy exports to the United States. Their comments come as a response to media commentary about using natural resources as leverage in trade negotiations.

Moe was the first to express his opposition, saying at a news conference that export taxes would be a hit to the Saskatchewan and Canadian economy. He emphasized the importance of targeted, short-term measures to bring American partners back to the negotiating table.

Smith echoed Moe's sentiments in a province-wide address, painting a doom-filled scenario of the consequences for Canada if export taxes were implemented. She warned that a 50% tariff on oil exports would lead to retaliatory measures from the US, causing economic devastation and job losses across the country.

According to Smith, implementing export taxes would result in the loss of over half a million jobs, mostly in Alberta but also in Ontario and Quebec. She emphasized the importance of moving projects forward, starting with approving a pipeline to the west coast to increase market access for Alberta oil.