Alberta Premier Danielle Smith recently appeared on her bi-weekly radio program where she addressed various topics of concern to Albertans. During the program, Smith discussed her recent trip to Florida, where she met with right-wing podcaster Ben Shapiro at a private fundraising event. She defended her decision to meet with American influencers, stating that it is important to engage with supporters of U.S. President Donald Trump to address issues such as tariffs that affect both countries.
However, Smith’s messaging has been criticized for being motivated by partisan interests, particularly during her interview with the right-wing news outlet Breitbart. She has also faced criticism for not supporting a unified approach to fighting U.S. tariffs, as she has demanded that Alberta’s oil and gas exports be exempt from retaliatory measures. This stance could potentially worsen Alberta’s deficit, which is already projected to reach $5 billion due to the impact of tariffs on the province’s economy.
Despite these challenges, Smith expressed optimism during her radio broadcast about the potential benefits of reducing inter-provincial trade barriers. She highlighted the need for economic corridors to facilitate the transportation of products such as oil, gas, transmission lines, and infrastructure to various markets. By promoting unity at the sub-national level, Smith believes that Alberta can overcome some of the economic challenges posed by tariffs and other trade barriers that impact the province’s budget.
The ongoing discussion surrounding tariffs and interprovincial trade barriers is a critical issue for Alberta, as the province heavily relies on its oil and gas exports for revenue. Smith emphasized the importance of working collectively to minimize tariffs and facilitate the movement of goods across provincial borders. The unity shown at the sub-national level in addressing these barriers is seen as a positive step towards improving Alberta’s economic outlook and offsetting potential budget shortfalls.
Despite criticisms of her recent actions and messaging, Smith remains determined to advocate for Alberta’s interests in the face of challenges related to tariffs and trade barriers. By engaging with American influencers and promoting unity on economic issues at the sub-national level, she hopes to find solutions that benefit all Albertans. The ongoing discussions surrounding tariffs and interprovincial trade barriers will continue to be a key focus for Smith as she navigates the complex economic landscape impacting Alberta’s budget and economy.
