Canadian officials divided over whether to use break-glass strategy against Trump: report

Since President-elect Donald Trump announced his plan to put draconian new tariffs on goods from Canada, the country's politicians have considered a drastic retaliation strategy of cutting off energy imports to the United States. But not all Canadian officials are thrilled with this idea, Politico reported on Wednesday.

"Premiers for the top oil-producing provinces have warned of a 'national unity crisis' if Ottawa leverages Canadian oil in response to tariffs, deepening a regional divide between Ottawa and Western Canada," said the report.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe, who govern the two largest oil-producing provinces, "are also pressuring Trudeau to call a federal election to ensure Canada’s prime minister has a strong mandate to negotiate with Trump, the report added.

The United States is a net exporter of energy and one of the world's largest oil and gas producers; however, it still uses significant energy shipments from Canada, Politico noted.

"Canada is the largest [foreign] supplier of energy to the U.S., supplying Americans with about 60 percent of its crude oil imports. And as of 2020, Canada supplied the U.S. with 98 percent of its natural gas imports, 93 percent of its electricity imports and 28 percent of its uranium purchases, government data shows."

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Trump's tariffs intend to force Canada to improve border security and stop the flow of fentanyl into the United States; however, Canada is already planning a C$1.3 billion surge in border security funding.

All of this comes as Trump steps up mockery of Canada and suggests the country allow itself to be annexed as a 51st U.S. state if it wants to avoid a costly trade war.

It also comes as Canadian politics are in chaos and face an uncertain future; Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, facing public anger, has resigned as the leader of the governing Liberal Party, and polling suggests the party could see massive losses if a federal election is called.