Alberta Premier Danielle Smith to Speak at Event with Ben Shapiro

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is standing by her decision to travel to Florida to participate in an event alongside American conservative influencer Ben Shapiro, despite facing criticism from the opposition NDP. Smith defends her trip, stating that it is essential to engage with American influencers to prevent tariffs on Canadian goods.

Smith is scheduled to speak at a fundraiser for PragerU, a non-profit organization that produces educational videos promoting American values. Despite being labeled as an extremist and Islamophobic organization by the NDP, Smith’s office highlights Shapiro’s support for lowering tariffs on Canadian goods.

NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi has accused Smith of using taxpayer money to support a controversial organization. However, Smith’s chief of staff, Rob Anderson, praises her courage in reaching out to U.S. decision-makers to advocate for Canadian interests.

Controversy Surrounding the Trip

During a fiery exchange in the House, Smith defended her actions by pointing out her efforts to engage with American political leaders. She emphasized the importance of building relationships with influencers to influence tariff decisions that impact Canada.

Despite the criticism from the NDP, Smith remains steadfast in her belief that the trip is a necessary step to protect Canadian interests. She has received support from federal officials and other premiers who have encouraged her to leverage her network of contacts in the U.S.

Response to Criticism

While Smith’s decision to attend the PragerU event has sparked controversy, her supporters view it as a patriotic act of courage. Anderson lauds Smith for taking on the challenge of advocating for Canada’s interests in the face of potential tariffs.

On the other hand, Nenshi has criticized Smith for what he deems as a lack of judgment. He highlights the timing of the event falling on Laylatul Qadr, a significant night for Muslims, as a point of contention.

Despite the mixed reactions to her trip, Smith remains focused on her goal of advocating for Canadian interests and building relationships with American influencers to prevent tariffs on Canadian goods.

As the controversy surrounding Smith’s trip continues to escalate, it remains to be seen how her efforts will impact Canada’s trade relations with the U.S. Only time will tell if her outreach to American influencers will yield positive results for Canada.