Toronto, January 20, 2025: The Coalition of Concerned Manufacturers and Businesses of Canada (CCMBC) would like to express its full support of Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and her stance on Canada’s approach to potential US tariffs. CCMBC President Catherine Swift stated “Despite the piling on by federal Liberals including Prime Minister Trudeau and provincial Premiers, Smith is the one truly standing up for Canada’s interests.”

According to Premiers Smith and Moe, the communique signed by all Premiers except Smith could have been reworded in a way to permit Smith’s participation without compromising its intent. It appears that Trudeau instead saw an opportunity to be divisive once again and scapegoat Alberta and Smith for not being part of “Team Canada”. Swift added “Other Premiers have claimed that everything is on the table when looking at retaliatory measures against any US tariffs, yet these statements ring hollow when everyone knows the main target being considered is oil and gas exports from Alberta to the US.”

Given the Trudeau government’s abysmal treatment of Alberta for the last 9 years and the historical reality of the National Energy Policy of the 1970s, and previous taxes and restrictions on Alberta oil and gas that were devastating to that province’s economy, Smith is right to be wary. “What should have happened was all Premiers unite against the lame duck federal Liberal government, whose terrible economic policies put Canada in such a vulnerable position in the first place”, said Swift. “That would have truly been a Team Canada approach.”

Many CCMBC manufacturing and other business members in Ontario and other provinces have important business relationships with the oil and gas sector. By defending this vital Canadian export to the US and other parts of Canada, Premier Smith is not just defending Alberta’s interests but those of Canada as a whole.

——————————

The CCMBC www.ccmbc.ca was formed in 2016 with a mandate to advocate for proactive and innovative policies that are conducive to manufacturing and business retention and safeguarding job growth in Canada.
For further information or to arrange an interview, please contact Catherine Swift at swifty4488@outlook.com or 416 816 7248.