Smith calls for Arctic security under Trump tariff threat

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is calling for increased Arctic security as Trump tariffs loom.

Trump's justification for potentially imposing a 25% tariff on Canadian goods is Canada's border security problems. Too many migrants and drugs flowing from Canada into the U.S., he says.

During her weekend radio interview, Smith took the conversation about border security to a new level — in the context of Canada's suspended parliament through prorogation and the resignation of Justin Trudeau.

Premiers and Trudeau are scrambling to form a consensus on how to manage Trump. Smith has made significant effort to enhance Canada-U.S. trade relations while in Washington D.C. However, Trump isn't backing down — setting February 1 as tariff day.

"The other part is Arctic security," said Smith. "The reason (Trump) put Greenland into his crosshairs as well, is he's clearly nervous about whether or not we're doing appropriate Arctic security, and we have to match that as well."

Canada spent $4.98 billion on six new Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships to monitor and assert sovereignty in Arctic waters. However, there have been concerns about the functionality and readiness of the ships.

Efforts are underway to improve Arctic defence infrastructure, including modernizing early warning systems, surveillance capabilities, and constructing support hubs in the far north. Plans for a new satellite ground station in the Arctic are also part of this strategy.

There are ongoing concerns about Canada's readiness to defend the Arctic effectively, including critiques on the lack of significant Arctic capabilities and the slow pace of infrastructure and military modernization.

"I know that my territorial premier friends have been talking about the need to have ports and strategic infrastructure and drone surveillance and military bases," said Smith.

"So this is our opportunity to demonstrate that we understand the world is a dangerous place where you partner in security, and we're prepared to do that."