Alberta Premier Danielle Smith criticized Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for damaging Canada’s relationship with the United States, saying his early missteps with President Donald Trump set the country back in trade negotiations.
In an interview with Breitbart News Saturday on Sirius XM, Smith told Washington Bureau Chief Matthew Boylethat Trudeau’s first meeting with Trump at Mar-a-Lago was a major blunder that weakened Canada’s negotiating position.
“I think we got into a ditch with the very first meeting in Mar-a-Lago,” Smith said. “I’ve seen the president reference many times since then the exchange—I think two blunders: One was on the issue of NATO, and the other was on tariffs.”
Smith noted that Trump has long pushed for NATO allies to meet their 2% defense spending commitments, and Canada’s refusal to comply until 2032 put the country at a disadvantage. Trudeau’s handling of tariffs also sent the wrong message, making Canada appear weak in negotiations.
U.S.-Canada Trade Relationship at Risk
Smith stressed that Canada’s economic ties with the U.S. are mutually beneficial, yet Trudeau failed to effectively communicate Canada’s role in supporting American jobs and lowering consumer prices.
“We are definitely dependent on U.S. trade, but it’s mutually beneficial,” she explained. “I wish we had been able to convey earlier just how much the Americans benefit from buying cheap and discounted raw materials from Canada, allowing them to add value, create American jobs, and keep prices lower for consumers.”
She emphasized that Canada is also the largest buyer of American goods, reinforcing why both countries should work toward a tariff-free trade relationship.
“Our industries are so integrated, and it’s good for both partners,” she said.
Tariffs Delayed, Trudeau’s Future in Question
The interview comes as Trump signed an executive order delaying the implementation of 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico until April 2, with Canadian energy products facing a 10% tariff starting next month.
Smith believes the tariffs could impact the upcoming Canadian election, with Trudeau’s successor using the issue to rally support.
When asked whether Trudeau was leveraging the dispute to stay in power, Smith dismissed the notion outright.
“No, Trudeau’s gone tomorrow.”
She predicted that a new prime minister would be named within days, with Liberal Party frontrunners Chrystia Freeland or Mark Carney likely to set the next election date—which could be scheduled as late as October.
However, she warned that the tariff dispute could actually help the Liberal Party by shifting voter sentiment.
“Before the tariff war, I would say yes,” Smith said when asked if Canadians were ready to move away from liberal policies. “Pierre Poilievre, the Conservative Party leader, was miles ahead of Trudeau. But because of what we see as unjust and unfair tariffs, support for the Liberals has actually increased.”
She urged U.S. officials to consider pausing the dispute until after Canada’s election.
“I would hope that we could put things on pause,” she said. “Let’s just put things on pause so we can get through an election.”
A Conservative Leader Would Strengthen U.S.-Canada Ties
Smith argued that a Conservative victory in Canada would lead to better relations with Trump’s administration, saying that Poilievre would align more closely with U.S. economic and energy policies.
“If we have Pierre as our prime minister, then I think there’s a number of things we could do together,” she said.
She described Poilievre as a leader who supports development, low-cost energy, lower taxes, and rejects “woke” policies.
“There’s probably always going to be areas of dispute when it comes to the border,” she admitted, “but on balance, Pierre’s perspective would be very much in sync with the new direction in America.”
Smith concluded by saying that a Trump-Poilievre era would bring a “really great relationship” between Canada and the U.S. for as long as both leaders remain in power.
