Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s chief of staff, Rob Anderson, has praised her efforts to confront American decision-makers over potential tariffs, calling her actions a courageous stand for Alberta and Canada.
Smith is under fire following a Breitbart News interview where she revealed she urged the Trump Administration to back off on tariffs, noting the trade dispute is boosting Liberal Party support ahead of the April 28 federal election.
U.S. President Donald Trump has bragged about manipulating the vote — saying he doesn't care who wins.
The Alberta NDP accused Smith of inciting foreign election interference — a charge she denies.
“Danielle Smith’s comments during her Breitbart interview are antithetical to democracy," said NDP leader Naheed Nenshi on Monday.
"At a moment when our nation is under attack, and our sovereignty is under threat, she put her need for attention above all Albertans and all Canadians.”
Smith is set to travel to the U.S. on Friday to headline a PragerU fundraiser in Florida, a conservative non-profit event featuring figures like Ben Shapiro, further stoking NDP outrage.
In a pointed statement, Anderson compared Smith’s mission to “going into the lion’s den” to push for the cancellation or delay of tariffs that could harm Canada’s economy.
“The premier of Alberta going into the lion’s den to try and convince U.S. decision makers to cancel or even delay tariffs for as long as possible until our country is in a better position to defend ourselves with a strong leader is not only noble — it’s as Albertan and Canadian as it gets,” said Anderson.
The trip comes as worries grow over U.S. trade measures that could hit Canadian exports, particularly Alberta’s energy and agriculture sectors.
Taking aim at critics, Anderson accused them of cowardice and exploiting the tariff issue to frighten Canadians.
“The Liberal/NDP lefties losing their minds over it are cowards — hiding from the fight and using tariffs to strike fear in the very Canadians fighting to keep the tariffs from being implemented,” he said.
Anderson called their reaction “a disgusting display that Albertans won’t soon forget,” underscoring tensions between Alberta’s United Conservative Party government and opponents.