Smith Rejects Plan to Leverage Canadian Oil in US Trade War

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has rejected the idea of using Canadian oil exports as leverage in the US trade war, calling it 'disastrous' and warning that it would devastate the Canadian economy. The proposal to use Canada's energy exports to retaliate against the US is gaining traction, with Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi and former Premier Jason Kenney advocating for this approach.

However, Smith argues that such a move would prompt the US to slap fresh levies on everything from crude oil to natural gas to diesel, crippling eastern provinces like Ontario and Quebec. 'I cannot think of a more disastrous policy decision than cutting off or taxing Alberta's oil to the United States,' she said.

Smith prefers a measured approach to the US trade spat, focusing on diplomacy rather than adding new tariffs onto US products. She believes that Canada should focus on what it can control and do, rather than making threats and promises it cannot keep.