Alberta’s Danielle Smith meets with Trump at Mar-a-Lago for ‘friendly and constructive’ meeting

Meetings of these kinds in the past would normally have included Canada’s official ambassador, however, Smith has not waited for the Trudeau government to advocate for Canadian energy and instead has gone at it alone.

Premier of Alberta Danielle Smith met with incoming U.S. President Donald Trump at his Mar-a-Lago home to champion “ethically” sourced Albertan oil and gas only days before the president-elect is set to be inaugurated, in what she said was a “friendly and constructive” meeting.

“Over the last 24 hours I had the opportunity to meet President @realdonaldtrump at Mar-a-Lago last night and at his golf club this morning. We had a friendly and constructive conversation during which I emphasized the mutual importance of the U.S. – Canadian energy relationship, and specifically, how hundreds of thousands of American jobs are supported by energy exports from Alberta,” wrote Smith on X about her weekend meeting with Trump.

The unprecedented meeting came at the same time Trump appears to have soured relations with Canadian Liberal elites over his annexation talk.

It also comes after soon-to-be-gone Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with Trump at Mar-a-lago last month and appeared to refuse to step up and defend the interests of Canadian energy over Trump’s threats to slap high tariffs on Canadian goods once he takes office.

Smith noted about her meeting with Trump that she was able to have “similar discussions” about championing Albertan energy “with several key allies of the incoming administration and was encouraged to hear their support for a strong energy and security relationship with Canada.”

“On behalf of Albertans, I will continue to engage in constructive dialogue and diplomacy with the incoming administration and elected federal and state officials from both parties and will do all I can to further Alberta’s and Canada’s interests,” she wrote.

Since taking office in 2015, the Trudeau government has continued to push a radical environmental agenda like the agendas being pushed by the World Economic Forum’s “Great Reset” and the United Nations’ “Sustainable Development Goals.”

Smit, on the other hand, has been a fierce opponent of Trudeau’s green energy agenda and an advocate for the oil and gas industry.

She will be attending Trump’s inauguration later next week.

Observer notes Trump made ‘beeline’ for Smith to meet her at Mar-a-Lago event

Political analyst for the Calgary Sun Rick Bell, who knows Smith and speaks with her regularly, noted about her meeting with Trump that when “Trump and his family and entourage” arrived he made “a beeline for Smith. He has obviously been told she is the premier of Alberta.”

“Smith, as you know, has recently been speaking non-stop about oil and gas and is no fan of tariffs,” Bell wrote.

Bell noted how Smith and Trump spoke about “energy, about oil and gas, about Alberta and Canada,” adding that she told him that production of Alberta oil is “ramping up in a big way and the U.S. buys a lot of Alberta oil.”

“Smith asks if Trump wants more of our oil. Trump does. It is by far Canada’s biggest export to the Americans,” wrote Bell.

Smith, in her message about her meeting with Trump, noted that Canada and the United States are both “proud and independent nations with one of the most important security alliances on earth and the largest economic partnership in history.”

She emphasized how Alberta needs to preserve its “independence while we grow this critical partnership for the benefit of Canadians and Americans for generations to come.”

Canada has the third largest oil reserves in the world, with most of it being in Alberta, which is produced ethically, unlike in other nations.

Smith’s meeting with Trump is unusual in that it has happened right before he will become president. Meetings of these kinds in the past would normally have included Canada’s official ambassador, however, Smith has not waited for the Trudeau government to advocate for Canadian energy and instead has gone at it alone.

Recently, Trump has drawn the ire of many Canadian politicians, including Conservatives, after he said rather brazenly last week that he was considering using “economic force” to make Canada the 51st U.S. state.

He claimed that there is a $200 billion trade deficit between Canada and the U.S. regarding spending on “subsidies” and the fact the U.S. military is there to also “protect Canada.”

Smith and others did not seem too offended by Trump’s remarks, most likely realizing they may be part of his negotiating strategy.

Conservative Party of Canada leader Pierre Poilievre, who likely will soon be the nation’s next prime minister, however, had choice words for Trump.

Trump’s comments came only a day after Trudeau announced he plans to step down as Liberal Party leader once a new leader has been chosen. He was approved by Governor General Mary Simon to prorogue parliament until March 24. This means he is still serving as prime minister, but all parliamentary business has been stopped.

Smith was against forced COVID jabs, her United Conservative government has in recent months banned men from competing in women’s sports came and passed a bill banning so-called “top and bottom” surgeries for minors as well as other extreme forms of transgender ideology. 

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Alberta

Community Fireguard Program Protecting Canmore and the Bow Valley from wildfires

Published on January 13, 2025

Government of Alberta

Construction of the Bow Valley Community Fireguard near Canmore.

Mitigating the risks of catastrophic wildfires is a primary focus for Alberta’s government. With increased wildfire activity in recent years, it is crucial that communities at risk are prepared. The Community Fireguard Program is critical to these efforts. By removing trees surrounding vulnerable communities that can act as fuel in the event of fires, the program helps ensure that residents, homes, businesses and critical infrastructure are better protected from the devastating effects of wildfires.

Construction on the new Bow Valley Community Fireguard started in late fall 2024, after the project received $750,000 in provincial funding administered by the Forest Resource Improvement Association of Alberta. Project partners include the Town of Canmore, Municipal District of Bighorn and the Kananaskis Improvement District, with support from Alberta’s government.

“Alberta faced significant wildfire seasons over the last two years. The reality is that decades of fire suppression left our forests aging and vulnerable. By working together with our at-risk communities, we are taking steps to increase wildfire resilience across Alberta.”

Todd Loewen, Minister Forestry and Parks

Ongoing work on the fireguard, which includes a combination of mechanical tree removal and forest thinning, will significantly reduce the potential for a wildfire for years to come. Additional work is required to complete the entire fireguard over the next three to five years and planning is underway for the next funding approval and stage of construction.

“Wildfire is the hazard that poses the greatest risk to Canmore. With hotter, longer and more intense fire seasons, work on building the Bow Valley Community Fireguard is critical to ensuring that we have the means and the plans to combat this significant threat to people, property and critical infrastructure.”

Sean Krausert, mayor, Town of Canmore

“The Bow Valley Community Fireguard is a massive undertaking made possible through the province’s commitment to strengthening the wildfire resiliency of our communities. We are thankful for their continued support and leadership in advancing wildfire prevention initiatives across Alberta. We are also grateful for the countless hours of effort behind the scenes from the teams of the MD of Bighorn, the Town of Canmore, and the Kananaskis Improvement District that have brought this project to life to ensure the Bow Valley has a safer future for generations to come.”

Lisa Rosvold, reeve, Municipal District of Bighorn

Alberta’s government is taking significant steps to enhance wildfire preparedness across the province in preparation for the 2025 wildfire season, with several other fireguard initiatives currently underway. In Whitecourt, fireguard construction is ongoing, while in Hinton, fireguard planning is in progress. Swan Hills is focused on debris clean-up from 2023 fireguard construction to ensure continued wildfire protection for the area.

Additionally, work is underway to hire more wildland firefighters, who will receive specialized training at the Hinton Training Centre, which also provides free online training to municipalities and local fire departments. To support local communities, the province maintains mutual aid and resource-sharing agreements to ensure access to specialized firefighting equipment when needed.

The FireSmart program continues to help make properties more resistant to wildfires, and its principles are being implemented across the province. Alberta’s government is also continuing to implement prescribed burns and selective harvesting to reduce the risks of wildfires by removing aging trees.

Aggressive measures to reduce the mountain pine beetle population have also been effective, with work ongoing to cut and burn infested trees as needed.

Quick facts

The Community Fireguard Program was launched in 2023 to enhance wildfire preparedness for communities at risk of wildfires.
Alberta’s government invested $5 million to support emergency fireguard construction in 2023, in response to extreme wildfire activities.
Emergency fireguards were constructed in Buck Creek, Grande Prairie, Dimsdale, Lac Ste. Anne, Valleyview, Gift Lake and Fox Creek.
The program received an additional $14 million in 2024.

Related information

Alberta

Alberta’s wildland firefighters are on their way to assist in California

Published on January 13, 2025

Government of Alberta

Firefighters receive a briefing ahead of their departure to California.

The state of California has been devastated by fast moving wildfires, which have already destroyed about 12,000 homes and buildings, and have tragically taken lives.

Alberta Wildfire received a request to assist California through the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre. Alberta’s government is sending two fully equipped wildfire crews, including 40 wildland firefighters and two agency representatives. The teams departed Edmonton on Monday, Jan. 13 and are expected to arrive in California within the next few days.

“Our hearts go out to everyone in California who has been impacted due to the devastating fires. Good neighbours are always there for each other in times of need, and we will assist our American friends in any way they need during this crisis. We are sending 40 highly skilled and experienced wildland firefighters to assist in the response efforts. Alberta remains committed to providing support and expertise to help protect lives, property and communities.”

Danielle Smith, Premier

“In 2023, California firefighters bravely supported Alberta in a time of great need. Now, Alberta is answering the call and has stepped up to assist our neighbours. I have spoken directly to Cal Fire and to the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services to assure them that Alberta is prepared to support them in their ongoing efforts. Alberta has experience and expertise in battling wildfires, and we’re committed to supporting our friends and partners in the United States.”

Todd Loewen, Minister of Forestry and Parks

California’s wildfire management agency will determine where the Alberta crews are deployed.

Additional Type 1 firefighters, Incident Command personnel, and qualified support staff are ready to go, if requested. Alberta Wildfire is also preparing water bombers, pilots, and contracted night vision helicopters to assist in California, if needed.

Quick fact

During Alberta’s record-breaking wildfire season in 2023, 115 firefighters and support staff from California came to help Alberta’s wildfire response.