Smith's cautious tariff response draws fire from Nenshi and praise for diplomacy
Premier's measured stance on Trump's tariffs contrasts sharply with other provincial leaders; NDP leader questions her 'loyalties' while federal government rolls out counter-tariff plan.
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Premier Danielle Smith's careful, measured response to the U.S. tariff war has drawn sharply divided reactions—admiration for her diplomatic restraint from some quarters and accusations of weakness from political opponents.
During her Saturday radio show, Smith said retaliation sounds emotionally satisfying but comes with real costs. "I know emotionally it feels good to retaliate. I get that. But let's remember what happens when we retaliate," she said. "We shouldn't be cheering if our farmers have to pay 50 per cent more for all the equipment they need to produce our food. That's not a success for us. It's not something we should be cheering on. It's something we should be lamenting."
Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi called her response weak in the face of a significant threat, questioning her "loyalties." "Every action she takes publicly strengthens the bargaining position of the United States and of Donald Trump," he said. "Danielle Smith's preferred course of action has always been to bow down to Donald Trump, to give Donald Trump everything that he wants."
Nenshi urged the province to remove American booze from liquor store shelves as a show of solidarity with Canada. "Not only would it be a show of commitment to Canada, but it would be in support of Alberta farmers, brewers, and distillers," he said.
Smith rejected the proposal, saying she wanted to leave the choice to Albertans. "We believe also in choice," she said. "If you don't feel like you want to buy products, then it's up to you to decide what products that you want. We trust that Albertans can make their own decisions, so we won't be going down that track."
Smith's tone contrasts sharply with Ontario Premier Doug Ford, who said Trump could "kiss my ass" in response to his tariff threats. Ford said cutting off access to electricity and critical minerals Ontario provides to 1.5 million people in Michigan, New York and Minnesota was on the table.
Smith, in a Postmedia interview, said such a decision would hurt Ontario and Quebec since Alberta's oil flows to those provinces from the U.S. through Enbridge's Line 5. "I'm just not going to hurt Ontario and Quebec," she said.
The facts
What did Premier Smith say about retaliation in response to U.S. tariffs?
During her Saturday radio show on August 23, 2026, Smith said retaliation sounds emotionally satisfying but comes with real costs, noting that retaliatory measures could force Canadian farmers to pay 50 per cent more for equipment needed to produce food.
What did NDP Leader Nenshi propose Alberta do regarding American products?
Nenshi urged Alberta to remove American booze from liquor store shelves as a show of solidarity with Canada and support for Alberta farmers, brewers, and distillers.
How did Smith respond to Nenshi's proposal to ban American alcohol?
Smith rejected the proposal, saying she wanted to leave the choice to Albertans rather than mandate what products they could purchase.
What concern did Smith raise about Ontario Premier Ford's approach to tariffs?
Smith said that cutting off access to electricity and critical minerals would hurt Ontario and Quebec, since Alberta's oil flows to those provinces from the U.S. through Enbridge's Line 5.
