Stand for Canada!

The latest round of Donald Trump’s tariffs on Canadian goods threatens workers, families, and businesses across our country. These measures are unjustified, harmful, and create uncertainty for industries that support thousands of jobs in Alberta and millions more across Canada.

At times like these, Canadians expect their leaders to put aside divisions and stand united in defending our shared interests. Across the political spectrum, there has been broad agreement on this point. The Prime Minister, premiers from different political parties, and leaders from across the country, including former premier Jason Kenney, have all recognized that Canada is stronger when we speak with one voice.

Albertans know that when times are tough, success depends on people working together. One of the things I appreciate most about Canadians is that when a community needs help, people show up.

We saw that again this month when Alberta wildfire season was slower than usual, so resources could be shared, and firefighters were deployed to British Columbia to help battle their wildfires. That's the kind of practical cooperation that has always made our country stronger.

Our Prime Minister is doing the right thing by pulling back from trade negotiations with the US. This is a corrupt, inept US administration that has disrupted the global economic order, alienated allies and soiled its own reputation. In the face of this, Canada has retained integrity, currency and sovereignty.

Faced with the US administration’s provocations and aggression, the vast majority of Canadians support Carney’s decision to pull out of trade negotiations. Supporting Canada is not a partisan position. It is a practical necessity. That is why I find the approach of Premier Danielle Smith so concerning.

At moments when Canadians are looking for solidarity, Premier Smith has often chosen a different path. Her most senior political staff have gone online now to suggest Canada give Trump what he wants. Premier Smith seems to support Trump at every turn.

History has shown that giving into pressure rarely earns respect. Division weakens Canada's position and makes it harder to defend our workers, industries, and national interests.

Canadians should never underestimate our own strength. The United States is our largest trading partner, but Canada is also the largest export market for the United States. Millions of jobs on both sides of the border depend on the goods, energy, forestry, agriculture, and manufacturing products that cross our border every day. That gives Canada leverage, but only if we speak with one voice.

Division weakens our position. Unity strengthens it. Unfortunately, instead of focusing Alberta's energy on confronting the economic challenges in front of us, the UCP government continues to devote time and resources to divisive political projects, including the costly separatist referendum.

At a time when Canada should be presenting a united front to protect jobs and industries from American tariffs, many Albertans are left wondering why the government is focused on questions that divide rather than unite.

When families are worried, workers face uncertainty, and the stakes are high, leadership matters. If we had an Alberta NDP government, our caucus would stand shoulder to shoulder with Team Canada. We would work collaboratively with governments across the country to protect Canadian jobs, defend Alberta industries, and ensure our province remains a respected partner in building Canada's future.

This is a time to pull together as Canadians.

As we approach the referendum, I encourage every Albertan to have conversations with friends and neighbours, learn about the issues, and make a plan to vote. The future of our province is too important to sit on the sidelines. Alberta is strongest when Canada is strong, and Canada is strongest when we stand together.

This column was published in The Sherwood Park News on August 27, 2026.