Alberta Premier Danielle Smith Meets With Trump at Mar-a-Lago

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith made headlines this weekend after meeting with US President-elect Donald Trump at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. The Premier, Canadian businessman Kevin O’Leary, as well as psychologist Jordan Peterson, attended this high-profile gathering.

Danielle Smith’s visit to Mar-a-Lago was more than just a casual stop. In a social media post, Alberta’s Premier described her conversation with Trump as “friendly and constructive.” The two talked about the Canada-U.S. energy partnership, with Smith emphasising how Alberta’s energy exports support hundreds of thousands of American jobs.

During her visit to Trump’s estate, Smith had more than one meeting. She also spoke with key allies of Trump’s new administration, emphasising the importance of maintaining a strong energy and security partnership between the two countries.

Alberta’s economy is heavily reliant on energy exports, particularly oil and gas, with much of it going to the United States. Smith’s conversation with Trump emphasises the value of this relationship. With the United States as Alberta’s largest trading partner, any disruptions—such as tariffs or policy changes—could have serious consequences for jobs and revenue.

Smith’s proactive approach comes amid increasing uncertainty. Trump has previously hinted at imposing significant tariffs on Canadian imports, including energy products.

Such measures may increase costs for Americans while potentially harming Alberta’s economy. By addressing these issues head on, Smith hoped to protect Alberta’s interests before Trump’s policies took effect.

While Danielle Smith made her case, Ottawa’s response—or lack thereof—has been noticeably muffled. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has not addressed Smith’s meeting or its implications.

This silence has raised eyebrows, especially since Trump has continued to make bold statements about Canada, such as threats of 25% tariffs and even suggesting that Canada could become the United States’ 51st state.

Political analysts believe Trudeau’s silence could be strategic. By not engaging publicly, the Prime Minister may be avoiding adding fuel to Trump’s rhetoric.

However, critics argue that a lack of federal leadership on such important bilateral issues could undermine Canada’s position. If provincial leaders like Smith are left to navigate these conversations on their own, Canada’s overall strategy risks becoming fragmented.

Smith’s diplomatic efforts reflect Alberta’s immediate priorities, but also highlight a broader issue: Canada’s evolving relationship with a protectionist US administration.

Other provincial leaders, such as Ontario Premier Doug Ford, have expressed concerns and proposed solutions, including renewed energy partnerships.

Meanwhile, Canadian businessman Kevin O’Leary told US President-elect Donald Trump that he was wasting time dealing with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

“These meetings you’re having with Trudeau and the finance minister of Canada, with all due respect, sir, are a complete waste of time,” O’Leary said he had told Donald Trump. “This guy’s going to get eradicated out of the Canadian political landscape.”

“Give Canadians the opportunity to reelect a leader, like you, with a four-year mandate, and let’s get down to business. O’Leary added, “I hope they didn’t fall on deaf ears. I think he saw the rationale in that.”

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