Smith's Trade Policy Approach Criticized as Naive and Ignorant

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is facing criticism for her approach to dealing with the US over trade policy. In August, she stated that cutting off or taxing Alberta's oil exports to the US would be a 'disastrous policy decision'. Instead, she wants to continue relying on diplomacy to convince American officials of the benefits of fair and free trade.

However, some argue that this approach is naive and ignores the reality of Trump's trade policies. Trump has shown little interest in learning about or changing his views on trade, and has repeatedly described trade deficits as a form of theft.

The author suggests that Smith's concerns about retaliatory measures from the US are unfounded, pointing out that most Canadian oil exports stay in America and that there is no readily available alternative. The US would have to find another source of heavy oil, which could potentially come from Venezuela.