Ontario manufacturers back Smith in US energy dispute with Ottawa, Ford

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is getting support from an unlikely ally for refusing to sign on to a communique that would have curbed US oil exports — Ontario’s manufacturing sector.

That’s because the Coalition of Concerned Manufacturers and Businesses of Canada (CCMBC) has expressed strong support for Smith in her firm stance against Ottawa’s energy policies and potential US tariffs despite pressure from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and fellow premiers including Ontario’s Doug Ford. 

CCMBC president Catherine Swift praised Smith’s strong stance and leadership, stating, “Despite pressure from federal Liberals… and other provincial premiers, Premier Smith is the one truly standing up for Canada’s interests.”

The controversy stems from a communiqué signed by all premiers except Smith, addressing possible retaliatory measures against US tariffs. 

Both Smith and Saskatchewan’s Scott Moe argued that the document could have been revised to allow Alberta’s participation without compromising its core intent. Instead, Swift suggested, “Trudeau used this as an opportunity to be divisive, scapegoating Alberta and Smith for not being part of ‘Team Canada’.”

Swift criticized the Trudeau government’s history of targeting Alberta’s energy sector, citing the 1970s National Energy Policy (NEP) and subsequent restrictions on Alberta oil and gas. In that regard, history is repeating itself, she argued.

“Given the federal government’s track record, Smith is right to approach this situation with caution. What we needed was for all premiers to unite against the weak economic policies of the federal Liberal government that have left Canada in a vulnerable position,” said Swift.

Smith’s refusal to align with the federal government has drawn backlash, but the CCMBC contends her stance protects more than just Alberta. “Many manufacturers and businesses across Canada, including those in Ontario, rely heavily on Alberta’s oil and gas sector. By defending this vital Canadian export, Premier Smith is safeguarding not only Alberta’s interests but those of the entire country,” Swift emphasized.

The CCMBC, founded in 2016, advocates for policies that support manufacturing, business retention, and job growth across Canada. Swift underscored the coalition’s shared goal with Smith: “to ensure economic resilience and competitiveness in the face of both domestic and international challenges.”

As it turns out, a ball cap sported by Ford proudly proclaiming that ‘Canada is Not For sale’ was actually sourced from Southeast Asia.