Energy minister makes case for U.S.-Canada energy alliance in Washington

WASHINGTON — Jonathan Wilkinson is the latest Liberal in Washington amid President-elect Donald Trump’s tariff threats, and the Canadian energy minister is making the pitch for a Canada-U.S. energy and resource alliance.

Wilkinson told American lawmakers that there is no better way to achieve economic dominance, national security and strength against China than to work with Canada.

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Trump has threatened to impose a 25 per cent tariff on all imports from Canada when he returns to the White House next week.

Canadian leaders, despite calls for unity, have not agreed on the country’s response or what should be considered for retaliatory tariffs if Trump follows through on his threat.

Some say everything must be on the table and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh called for retaliatory tariffs on critical minerals, which have seen significant recent investment from the U.S. Department of Defence.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has said she will not support tariffs on oil, adding it would cause a national unity crisis.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 15, 2025.

Kelly Geraldine Malone, The Canadian Press