Too friendly to resist: Danielle Smith’s U.S. diplomacy
Summary
West of Center examines Alberta’s diplomatic strategy amid US trade tensions, featuring Nathan Cooper on Premier Danielle Smith’s Nashville outreach. Strategists Cole Hogan and Evan Menzies contrast Smith’s cooperative approach with Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s confrontational tactics. The panel debates whether Alberta’s diplomacy shields its energy sector from tariffs and analyzes the political risks of proposed countermeasures like export taxes.
Topics discussed
Intro and contrast between Alberta and Ontario premiers
Nathan Cooper on Alberta's diplomacy in Nashville
Diplomacy vs. confrontation and US political reactions
Panel analysis: Why Alberta oil is spared tariffs
Doug Ford's confrontational style vs. Smith's approach
Debate on export taxes and economic self-defense
Premiers' relationship and show closing announcements
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