Smith Rejects Taxing Oil Exports to U.S., Citing Potential Retaliation

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has firmly rejected any plans to tax oil going to the United States, calling it a 'dumb thing' that would harm Canada's economy. She made her stance clear in an interview with a reporter, saying, 'No! No! No!' to any ideas of taxing or reducing oil exports to the U.S.

Smith emphasized that such actions would be met with swift retaliation from the Americans, citing the example of last year when Ontario Premier Doug Ford threatened to tax electricity going to the U.S. The Americans doubled down on their tariffs in response, forcing Ford to withdraw his threat by the afternoon.

The premier also pointed out that oil and potash are not included in the list of Canadian goods targeted for 50% tariffs by the U.S. starting August 19. Smith warned that any attempts to tax or restrict oil exports would be devastating to Canada, particularly Ontario and Quebec, which rely heavily on Alberta oil delivered through the U.S.

National unity is also at stake according to Smith, who believes that if Canada were to put its hands on Alberta oil, it would 'validate what those who've given up on Canada would say.' They would claim that Canada is not respected and has been sacrificed for economic gain.