Danielle Smith says Canadians ‘confused’ by Trump’s targeting of Lake Ontario

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith addressed Americans on the Fox Business Network, expressing confusion among Canadians over President Donald Trump's decision to rename Lake Ontario as Lake America. Smith stated that she believes Canadians are both confused and disappointed by this move. The Canadian premier emphasized that this situation is particularly perplexing given the longstanding economic and military ties between the two nations.

Canada's troops had fought alongside Americans in Afghanistan, and the upcoming 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks serves as a reminder of the strong relationship between the two countries. Smith questioned why the United States would want Canada to be weaker, asserting that together, they are stronger. The U.S. had imposed a 50 percent tariff on billions of dollars worth of Canadian exports following the breakdown of trade talks.

Canada responded by announcing retaliatory tariffs on U.S. products, set to take effect on September 8. When asked which country would be most affected by the trade war, Smith responded that it would harm small businesses and job opportunities in both nations. She reiterated her stance that her province's oil and gas exports would not be used as bargaining chips in the negotiations, despite some, like Ontario Premier Doug Ford, advocating for openness.

Smith pleaded for both the Trump administration and Prime Minister Mark Carney's government to return to the negotiating table, highlighting the close calls they had made towards a resolution.