Alberta Premier Smith Addresses U.S. ’51st State’ Comments at Fundraiser

CALGARY, Alberta — Alberta Premier Danielle Smith attempted to downplay recent comments about Canada becoming the ’51st state’ during a fundraiser in Florida last week. Speaking to an audience at a PragerU event, Smith suggested that the implications of adding Canada to the U.S. electoral system could negatively impact conservative politics in America.

In a video obtained by CBC News, Smith responded to U.S. podcaster Ben Shapiro‘s jest about Canada joining the U.S. by warning that many progressive Canadians would likely vote Democratic if Canada were absorbed into U.S. politics. “That would be like adding another California to your electoral system,” she said. “You would never have a Republican president in the White House again.”

Smith’s response diverged from other Canadian leaders who have previously condemned U.S. remarks regarding the annexation of Canada. Instead of pushing back, Smith focused on maintaining a friendly cross-border relationship while criticizing the potential consequences of President Trump‘s tariffs on both economies.

“What I think you’re seeing is some hurt feelings,” she stated. “We don’t understand why it is that this relationship is having the tension that it is right now.” In her comments, Smith highlighted the economic interdependence between the U.S. and Canada, noting the reliance of U.S. refineries on Alberta’s heavy oil and various exports from Canadian provinces.

While avoiding controversial statements she made earlier in the month, Smith acknowledged the Conservatives’ struggles within Canada and the rising popularity of Liberal Leader Mark Carney, comparing it to the fluctuating fortunes of political parties in the U.S. 

Analysts observed that Smith was careful in her dialogue during the event, managing to sidestep politically sensitive topics even as Shapiro pressed her. According to Lisa Young, a political scientist at the University of Calgary, “She was being very careful throughout the interview. Shapiro tried to lure her toward the pitfalls a couple of times anyway, and she sidestepped them quite neatly.”

Beyond deflecting the 51st state comments, Smith emphasized the risks posed by the tariffs proposed by Trump, indicating that they could harm American and Canadian businesses. “Tariffs are bad for business on both sides of the border,” she stated on a subsequent radio program.

During the gala, attendees discussed current Canadian politics, with Shapiro labeling the ongoing trade war as an impediment to conservative interests in Canada. “Let’s work together to get those obstacles out of the way so we can get to a better government in Canada that actually acts to be a more solid American ally,” Shapiro urged.

While prior controversies surrounding her comments about Poilievre and Trump have garnered backlash, Smith maintained that her Florida trip was essential to changing American perspectives on Canadian relations. As the April 28 Canadian elections approach, Smith’s remarks may play a critical role in shaping voter sentiment.

“Is there going to be enough time for some of those conservative ideas and some of that to come back?” Smith pondered, emphasizing the stakes involved in the upcoming vote.