"She's smart" — Shark Tank investor Kevin O'Leary's take on his meeting with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith

In a recent Fox News interview, Shark Tank investor Kevin O'Leary shared his thoughts on meeting Alberta Premier Danielle Smith. The interview, posted on his Instagram, focused on Alberta's role in global energy markets and its relationship with the U.S. O'Leary praised Smith's leadership, saying,

"She's part of the red wave that's flowing through Canada right now...I think it's a good outcome that she did. She's smart."

His comments came after a meeting with Smith and Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago, where they discussed key issues like trade and strengthening Canada-U.S. relations.

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Shark Tank's Kevin O'Leary highlights Alberta Premier Danielle Smith's role in strengthening Canada-U.S. relations

A pragmatic leader

O'Leary’s interview, which aired on January 14, 2025, touched on Smith's leadership qualities, particularly her pragmatism. The Shark Tank investor remarked,

"She's one of the most pragmatic politicians on earth."

O'Leary's praise highlights Smith's ability to handle complex political issues, both domestically and internationally. The meeting between O'Leary, Smith, and former U.S. President Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago centered on topics such as tariffs, pipelines, and the importance of a strong relationship between Canada and the United States.

In his interview, O'Leary further elaborated on the significance of Alberta's relationship with the U.S., pointing out that Alberta’s oil and gas reserves are larger than those of the entire United States. The Shark Tank investor said,

"Alberta, that province in Canada, has more oil and gas than all of America. One hundred and eighty-eight billion dollars with of energy flows from Alberta into the US to the refineries. It's shipped all over the world afterwards and even some of it comes back up to Canada."

O'Leary highlighted that Smith's leadership is instrumental in fostering this trade relationship, with O'Leary quoting Smith’s unique perspective on the enduring partnership between Canada and the U.S., saying,

“It's a long-term marriage with the people of the United States. We're not dating, we're married.”

This metaphor, according to the Shark Tank investor, illustrates Smith’s recognition of the long-term nature of the relationship despite occasional political challenges.

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Strengthening Canada-U.S. relations

O'Leary emphasized the importance of Alberta’s role in the global energy market, noting that Alberta is one of the largest trading partners with the United States, particularly in oil and gas. He explained that Alberta has more oil and gas than all of America, making it a crucial player in global energy supply chains. As O'Leary put it,

"And is in fact one of the largest trading partners on earth with the United States."

The Shark Tank investor highlighted that energy exports from Alberta reach all corners of the globe and can even come back to Canada after being refined in the United States. According to O'Leary, Smith understands the economic prospects of Alberta and has a strategy for international relations, which made her a great leader.

O'Leary said he was impressed with Smith's skill in diplomacy and leadership by showing her ability to work the room at Mar-a-Lago, meeting with cabinet members across all of the executive departments.

"She's so far ahead of other Canadian politicians because she came down to Mar-a-Lago last night." he said.

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