Alberta’s Smith advocates diplomacy as Ottawa and Premiers indicate willingness to retaliate

January 21, 2025 TruthUSA

As Ottawa and some premiers say they are ready to retaliate should the United States put tariffs on Canadian goods, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says the path forward should be through diplomacy, arguing the current U.S. administration is unlikely to respond favorably to threats.

U.S. President Donald Trump didn’t impose tariffs on Canada and Mexico on the first day of his presidency on Jan. 20, but said they may come on Feb. 1, citing concerns about illegal immigration and drug flow into the United States from these countries.

Smith, currently in Washington to engage with U.S. officials, stated on Jan. 21 that discussing retaliation only escalates tensions, emphasizing the importance of addressing concerns through direct engagement for a more diplomatic approach.

She added, “When you have a dispute with your best friend and ally, escalating by talking about retaliation is counterproductive. We should lead with diplomacy rather than aggression.”

Trump mentioned Canada’s allowance of illegal immigrants and fentanyl into the U.S. while signing executive orders at the White House on Jan. 20.

Ottawa and various provinces have implemented measures to enhance border security in response to Trump’s concerns. The federal government’s $1.3 billion plan includes deploying new equipment and units to bolster surveillance and security at the border.

While advocating for ongoing dialogue with the U.S., Ottawa and other premiers have affirmed readiness to retaliate should the U.S. impose tariffs.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reasserted the possibility of retaliation during a meeting in Montebello, Que., on Jan. 21, stating, “Everything is on the table, including matching tariffs dollar for dollar, if that is the course of action pursued by the U.S.”

B.C. Premier David Eby also expressed support for retaliatory actions in response to Trump’s threat.

“We will stand our ground and back federal efforts to impose targeted tariffs to show that we won’t back down,” Eby mentioned in a social media video posted on Jan. 21.

Similarly, Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced plans to retaliate by targeting U.S. alcohol imports. “I’ve instructed the LCBO to remove all U.S. alcohol from our shelves if these tariffs are implemented,” Ford stated during the Rural Ontario Municipal Association meeting on Jan. 20.

Additionally, Ford has reached out to Americans to emphasize Canada’s partnership, appearing on U.S. TV networks and launching an ad campaign to convey this message.

Ford also called for collaboration in a social media post on Jan. 20, highlighting the risks of a trade war initiated by Trump and the potential to overcome through a strong U.S.-Canada alliance.

During a media briefing on Jan. 21, Smith acknowledged Trump’s support for tariffs but suggested viewing the current reprieve as an opportunity to advocate for tariff-free trade.

She stated, “I am hopeful that a deal can be reached. We must focus on maintaining our status as a reliable trading partner with the U.S., with border security and defense spending being key considerations.”

During her visit to Washington, Smith emphasized Canada’s energy sector’s importance to the U.S. She met with Trump at Mar-a-Lago before his inauguration to deliver the same message, urging Canadians to prepare for potential tariffs upon her return.

In his inaugural address on Jan. 20, Trump outlined his intention to revamp the trade system to protect Americans, announcing the establishment of the External Revenue Service to collect tariffs from other nations.

He mentioned, “It will result in substantial revenue inflow into our treasury from foreign entities.”

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