Smith Doubts Oil Leverage, Backs Comprehensive Trade Deal

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said Thursday that using oil as a bargaining chip in trade negotiations with the US won't work for her province. She made this comment during a meeting between Prime Minister Mark Carney and all 13 provincial and territorial leaders.

Smith stated that she's confident in Carney's strategy for dealing with President Donald Trump, who has imposed a deadline of August 19 for a trade agreement or face steep tariffs. The premiers want a comprehensive deal removing all of Trump's tariffs, Smith said.

'Part of our success has been that we've gone directly to the American businesses and consumers, and they've become our advocates,' Smith told reporters. 'They know how valuable it is to have a free flow of energy across the border, how it keeps their consumer prices low, how it makes sure that they don’t have gasoline or aviation fuel or diesel shortages.'

Smith said finding those voices is the strongest argument for Canadian interests. Canada has enjoyed a 'great trade relationship' with the US over energy, critical minerals, uranium, and food products.