Alberta Premier Danielle Smith will be attending Donald Trump’s inauguration next month rather than simply watching from the Canadian embassy, as previously planned.
It was originally reported in mid-November that Smith would be headed to Washington, D.C., for the inauguration but would not be at the ceremony itself.
“The premier will be attending and hosted at several events leading up to the inauguration. The premier is also attending the inauguration on Capitol Hill and she will be attending the Canadian embassy event that day as well. Following the inauguration, the premier hopes to meet with energy groups, congresspeople, and various officials,” a spokesperson for Smith confirmed to True North.
Despite President-elect Donald Trump winning the election on Nov. 5, he does not take office until he’s sworn in on Jan. 20, 2025.
With the day still being a month away, Smith’s schedule is not finalized, and more events are expected to be added to the itinerary leading up to the event.
Alberta’s representative office in Washington, D.C., was given tickets to Trump’s inauguration so Smith could attend in person.
Trump posted to Truth Social on Wednesday, saying that nobody could answer why the United States was subsidizing Canada for around $100 million annually.
“Makes no sense! Many Canadians want Canada to become the 51st State. They would save massively on taxes and military protection. I think it is a great idea. 51st State!!!” said Trump.
A recent Abacus Data survey highlighted that the majority of Canadians want an election following Chrystia Freeland’s resignation. Only 11% want the Liberals re-elected.
However, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre–who would likely take office if an election were held today–does not agree with Trump.
“My message to incoming President Trump is that, first and foremost, Canada will never be the 51st state of the U.S.,” said Poilievre.
Smith replied to Trump on an X post, clarifying Canada’s trade relationship with the United States.
She said that the trade deficit results from Canada, especially Alberta, sending billions of raw materials like oil, gas, minerals, and more to refineries and factories in the United States before they are sold worldwide, including back to Canada – which Smith said was the U.S.’ “biggest customer by a mile.”
She added that millions of American jobs depend on these raw materials, which contribute trillions of dollars to the U.S. economy.
Alberta alone sends 4.3 million barrels of oil and gas daily to the United States, according to Smith.
“As a conservative premier in Canada, I believe we have two of the greatest countries on earth. We have fought and bled together in many wars, and built an incredible alliance and partnership,” said Smith. “I really hope we can strengthen that partnership throughout your Presidency by securing our shared border as you’ve requested and partnering to protect our North American workers from unfair Chinese trade practices. Americans and Canadians will both benefit immensely from this.”