Doug Ford Blasts Trump’s Tariffs, Urges Canadian Unity Ahead of Carney’s U.S. Talks

Voice
By Voice
3 Min Read

Ontario Premier Doug Ford went off-script Tuesday, slamming U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade war and calling on Canadians to stand united behind Prime Minister Mark Carney. Speaking in Etobicoke during the Skills Ontario Competition, Ford expressed clear frustration over Trump’s recent rhetoric and economic pressure. “This guy drives me nuts,” he said, reacting to the U.S. President’s claim that “we don’t need Canada,” before highlighting how deeply the American economy depends on Ontario’s electricity and critical minerals.

Ford used the moment to call for national solidarity, urging Canadians not to be divided during what he called a critical moment for the country. “We have a prime minister down there… he’s going to give it everything he can. This is a time to unite the country,” Ford said, taking a jab at any separatist sentiment, including the recent pledge from Alberta Premier Danielle Smith to hold a referendum on independence if enough signatures are collected.

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Meanwhile in Washington, Carney and Trump met at the White House, where the U.S. president again floated the controversial idea of Canada becoming the 51st state, saying there would be “a lot of advantages.” Carney pushed back firmly, stating that “Canada is not for sale, and never will be,” though Trump cheekily replied, “never say never.”

Canada has been hit with a sweeping 25 percent import tariff under Trump’s administration, with partial relief only offered for North American trade pact-compliant goods. Additional levies on aluminum and autos remain in place, prompting reciprocal tariffs from Canada. Ford has been a vocal figure throughout the dispute, appearing on U.S. media to highlight the mutual importance of cross-border trade. Speaking to CNN, he said he doesn’t expect any deals immediately but is optimistic given both leaders’ business backgrounds.

Back home, Ford’s government, recently re-elected with a third majority, is preparing to release its provincial budget on May 15. Already, his administration has pledged an extra $1 billion to Ontario’s skills development fund and introduced tax credits and deferrals for manufacturers and businesses hit by the trade war. “We’re going to protect our workers, their jobs, and their communities—and I will not spare a penny to do it,” Ford vowed.

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