Alberta Premier Danielle Smith's refusal to support retaliatory tariffs against the US has drawn criticism, as it undermines Canada's united front against President Trump's proposed tariffs on Canadian imports. Former chief trade negotiator Steve Verheul argues that Alberta's stance weakens Canada's negotiating position and risks prolonged economic damage. Experts warn of a potential recession and job losses if the tariffs are implemented.
OTTAWA — Ottawa's former chief trade negotiator Steve Verheul says Alberta is undermining Canada's attempts to prevent the U.S. from levying damaging tariffs — a measure U.S. President Donald Trump has said could drive Canada into"failed state" status.
"When they all briefed up, the messages were the same and it was much easier to do it that way," he told the Toronto-based Empire Club on Tuesday. "Thankfully, a consensus is emerging to take a new approach and to prioritize the things that unite us – rather than divide us," said the updated message.On Wednesday, a day after Verheul's remarks and as the premiers met virtually with Trudeau, two other premiers pushed back on the federal position on tariffs.
The president insisted Canada would have"better health coverage" and"wouldn't have to worry about military" as an American state, adding that Canada has been"very nasty to us on trade." Verheul told the Empire Club that the current situation with the tariff threat is much different than the NAFTA renegotiation, when Canada was"better prepared than the U.S. was, and got a reasonably good deal." This time, he said, the U.S. has"a zero-sum" approach.
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