Ontario Premier Doug Ford Discusses Growing Canada-U.S. Tariff Tensions Ahead of Washington Trade Meeting

Ontario Premier Doug Ford addressed growing concerns over the escalating Canada-U.S. tariff battle during a press briefing at Queen’s Park. As trade tensions between the two countries rise, Ford, along with Canada’s Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc, is set to travel to Washington, D.C., for crucial discussions with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.
Ford’s comments come at a time when both Canada and the U.S. are facing mounting trade frictions, particularly following the U.S. decision to impose increased tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum. Ford emphasized the importance of reviewing the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA), a move that is scheduled for next year, and stressed that this review would be pivotal in addressing ongoing trade disputes.
“Our primary goal in Washington is to have constructive conversations and advance the review of the USMCA,” Ford explained. “We need to ensure that this agreement works for the people of Ontario and all Canadians. We will also discuss how we can address the current tariff situation and ensure fair trade for our industries.”
Ford’s upcoming meeting with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick will be a key opportunity to resolve the contentious trade issues that have impacted key Canadian industries, especially steel and aluminum. The tariffs, which were imposed under national security concerns by the Trump administration, have strained relations between the two neighboring nations, despite Canada being the U.S.’s largest foreign supplier of these metals.
“The steel and aluminum tariffs are just one part of the larger trade picture, but it’s vital that we continue to push for a fair deal,” Ford said. “These tariffs have been harmful to Ontario’s economy, and it’s time we address them head-on.”
The discussion between Ford, LeBlanc, and Lutnick comes at a crucial juncture for Canada-U.S. relations. As both countries work through trade tensions, including disagreements over tariffs and market access, the importance of the USMCA review cannot be overstated. The agreement, which replaced the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), is seen as essential in stabilizing trade relations between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
With an eye on the future, Ford reiterated the need for fairer trade practices, stressing that Canada’s economy—particularly Ontario’s manufacturing sector depends heavily on smooth cross-border trade.
Diplomatic Efforts and Future Discussions
Ford’s upcoming trip to Washington represents a diplomatic effort to de-escalate tensions and find a path forward in the trade dispute. The results of these discussions, and whether they will lead to a de-escalation of tariff-related issues, remain to be seen. However, the Ontario Premier’s focus on the long-term goal of strengthening and fairer trade agreements signals Canada’s commitment to standing up for its economic interests while maintaining a strong relationship with its neighbor to the south.
“We will continue to push for fairness in trade, and I look forward to discussing these important issues directly with Secretary Lutnick,” Ford added.
As the tariff dispute continues to evolve, Ontario’s leadership in addressing these issues will be closely watched, with the outcome of Ford’s Washington meetings potentially shaping the next phase of Canada-U.S. trade relations.