Donald Trump has officially launched a 25% tariff on most Canadian goods.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford issued the following statement in response:
“I’m extremely disappointed that President Trump has chosen to walk away from a trading relationship that for decades has made life better for millions of workers on both sides of the border.
I wish we weren’t here. I wish Ontario and Canada were working together with our American friends and allies to make our two countries the richest, most successful, safest, most secure on the planet. Instead, President Trump has chosen to move forward with tariffs that will only hurt America and make Americans poorer. Canada now has no choice but to hit back and hit back hard.
As Premier of Ontario, the federal government has my full support for a strong and forceful response that matches U.S. tariffs dollar for dollar. Canada has so much of what America needs: high-grade nickel and other critical minerals, energy and electricity, uranium, potash, aluminum. We need to maximize our points of leverage and use them to maximum effect. The federal government needs to also pursue every legal route to challenge these unfair, unjustified and illegal tariffs.
The coming days and weeks will be incredibly difficult. Trump’s tariffs will devastate our economy. They’ll put 450,000 jobs at risk across the province. Every sector and region will feel the impact.
With a strong, stable, four-year mandate that outlives and outlasts the Trump administration, I’ll do whatever it takes to protect Ontario, our workers, businesses and communities. I’ll invest tens of billions to retrain workers for new opportunities, retool companies for new customers, reshore supply chains and rebuild roads and highways to create new jobs. I’ll make tough choices to make Ontario’s economy the most competitive place to invest, create jobs and do business.
None of us want to be here, but Canada and Ontario have faced down this kind of challenge before. Each time, we’ve emerged stronger, more united, more determined than ever. Canada and Ontario will once again answer the call.
Together, we’ll meet this moment. We’ll stand united. We’ll stand strong.
Together, we’ll protect Ontario.”
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Regardless of Trumps 30 day delay, canada and Ontario need to find new trading partners. Imho canada also must work on plans to make Canada and Ontario less vulnerable and more independent. The conservatives unfortunately have a considerable responsibily in keeping Canada resource based and downsized our manufacturing sector. Harper did much damage in selling off resources to foreign interests ( China) and firing scientists while also destroying research and closing research facilities. Well Dougie, you may not like those tariffs, but you and your cons set us up for this scenario.
Ford responds to Trump’s tariffs by calling an election.
Just like Trudeau Ford is calling for an unnecessary election. Wasting millions of our tax dollars in the process. Protecting Ontario’s jobs is part of his job description. He doesn’t need a new mandate for that. He’s fooled a few it seems. Ford borrowed 3 BILLION dollars to give everyone $200 to blatantly buy their vote. Ford’s deficits are much higher than Wynne’s.
Just like Trump Ford is ignoring conventions and protocols. Search “Opposition parties say Doug Ford is violating the caretaker convention with his trip to Washington. Here’s what that means” “Every government to this point, federally and provincially, has honoured that convention because they realize one day they will be an opposition party,”