Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is staying the course as a trade war threat with the U.S. escalates.
On Thursday, President Donald Trump at the World Economic Forum (WEF) said the U.S. doesn't need Canadian oil, gas, lumber or other resources. Negating Canada's bargaining chips, Trump didn't back away from a potential 25% tariff on Canadian goods.
“Today, the premier is returning from a five-day mission to Washington D.C., where she spoke with dozens of key decision makers, governors, members of congress, and private sector leaders, to underline Alberta and Canada’s importance in advancing North American energy dominance," said Smith's Press Secretary Sam Blackett in a statement.
Tump said the U.S. has a "tremendous" trade deficit with Canada. He plans to remedy the alleged problem.
"I don't know if it's good for them, as you probably know I say, you can always become a state," he said at the WEF.
"Then if you're a state, we won't have a deficit. We won't have to tariff you. But Canada has been very tough to deal with over the years, and it's not fair that we should have a $200 billion or $250 billion (trade) deficit."
Trump added, "We don't need them to make our cars, and they make a lot of them. We don't need their lumber because we have our own forests. We don't need their oil and gas. We have more than anybody."
Smith's message has not changed, said Blackett — noting a U.S. tariff would hurt American and Canadian consumers.
"We should be focused on developing our trade relationship through diplomacy, not threats," he said.
"Not only should we be focused on outlining the benefits of trade between Canada and the U.S., but Canada must focus on accelerating its 2% GDP NATO commitment and strengthening our southern border."
Blackett added, "In a negotiation, both sides will say all kinds of things and use different tactics. It’s important when this happens to remain calm and diplomatic while continuing to carry out Alberta’s and Canada’s strategy. The premier will continue to do so.”