Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has appeared on U.S. television calling out the Trump Administration for imposing tariffs on Canada - and the flow of drugs from the U.S. into Canada.
On Tuesday, the U.S. slapped a 25% tariff on Canadian goods entering the U.S. and a 10% tariff on oil and gas. Canada retaliated, announcing via Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, billions of dollars in retaliatory tariffs.
Trump's primary complaint was the alleged flow of drugs and migrants into the U.S. from Canada. In response, Canada strengthened border security to avoid or lessen tariffs. Trump has myriad other complaints, including an alleged trade deficit with Canada.
Smith turned the tables on Trump during the CNBC broadcast.
"When I'm looking at the (drug) busts that we have at the border, it's cocaine and crystal meth coming up from America," said Smith.
"So, these are issues that are two way issues — America has cartels and organized crime that are causing problems for us, and we recognize that it is a two way street — they should too."
Smith said she wants to address border issues in a collaborative way — sharing intelligence but not acting as though the issue is a one way problem.
"Remember, there's a lot of distance between Canada and Mexico," she said, noting more American trucks will be stopped at the Canada-U.S. border.
"There's a big country in the middle. And so, we are not the root of a lot of the problems."
Trudeau announced retaliatory tariffs against the U.S. at a press conference on Tuesday — 25% tariffs on $155 billion worth of American goods, starting with $30 billion immediately and the remaining $125 billion in 21 days.
Canada will also file a dispute resolution claim at the World Trade Organization.
Trudeau said the U.S. tariffs could cause market downturns, rising inflation, and increased costs for American consumers.
"Donald, they (Wall Street Journal) point out that even though you're a very smart guy, this is a very dumb thing to do," said Trudeau. "We two friends fighting is exactly what our opponents around the world want to see."