In a bold diplomatic move, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is stepping into what she calls the ‘lion’s den’—the tumultuous waters of U.S.-Canada relations under the looming presence of Donald Trump. Despite a diverse political landscape in Canada where leaders like Prime Minister Mark Carney and Ontario’s Premier Doug Ford are adopting a tougher stance against Trump, Smith is choosing a more cordial approach. She is aiming to negotiate with U.S. officials at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago and connect with Trump-friendly media to persuade them against imposing detrimental tariffs that threaten Canada’s energy exports.
Smith’s strategy began to take shape when she engaged in a “friendly and constructive conversation” with Trump back in January, during his term as president-elect, where they discussed the energy partnership between their countries. However, her recent interview with the conservative U.S. outlet Breitbart has raised eyebrows within Canada. Smith criticized the possible tariffs as “unjust and unfair,” which she believes have inadvertently bolstered support for the Canadian Liberal party. She urged U.S. officials to pause tariff discussions until after Canada’s anticipated electoral race in April to avoid influencing the political climate in Canada.
Initially, her comments appeared to demonstrate a prudent approach to U.S. relations; however, they quickly spiraled into controversy. Critics, including fellow Conservatives like Pierre Poilievre, have accused her of undermining Canadian sovereignty and politically aligning too closely with Trump, jeopardizing the opposition’s campaign strategies. NDP leader Jagmeet Singh condemned Smith’s remarks as “shameful,” framing the interview as an appeal for Trump’s intervention in Canadian elections—an allegation Smith firmly dismissed, asserting that her intent was solely to request a postponement of tariffs, not electoral interference.
Adding fuel to the fire, Smith’s attendance at a recent PragerU event in Florida alongside conservative commentator Ben Shapiro has intensified scrutiny. They allegedly discussed strategies for Canada to elect allies who would support Trump’s policies, further alienating her from federal Conservative supporters potentially wary of Trump’s divisive reputation.
While Smith defends her approach as essential to Alberta’s economic interests, critics say her strategy presents a risk of becoming entangled in U.S. partisan politics, questioning whether her frequent visits to the U.S. serve a genuine diplomatic purpose or bolster her political ambitions within Canada. As the election draws near, the potential consequences of her overtures towards Trump could redefine Alberta’s and Canada’s relationship with its southern neighbor in these highly charged political times.