Ford Backs Carney as Canada Retaliates Against U.S. Tariffs

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has expressed support for Prime Minister Mark Carney's decision to terminate trade negotiations with the United States, describing the proposed agreement as a "bad deal" for Ontario's steel and auto sectors. According to CityNews Toronto, Ford stated he was clear with the Prime Minister that such agreements can last for decades, and he credited Carney for walking away from the talks.

Reporting from Global News Toronto indicates that Prime Minister Carney will match U.S. President Donald Trump's 50 per cent tariffs "dollar-for-dollar" in sectors including dairy and steel. Carney noted that while the retaliatory tariffs will increase costs for some Canadians, they are necessary after the U.S. "asked too much and offered too little." Carney cited several sticking points that led to the collapse of the talks, including restrictions on Canada's ability to form free trade deals with other nations and disagreements over auto tariffs and Canadian content.

In a letter dated Aug. 17 obtained by CityNews Toronto, Premier Ford urged the Prime Minister to implement strategic tariffs on imports from "politically significant states" that support the Trump administration, specifically naming Florida, Texas, Alabama, and Wisconsin. Ford also suggested leveraging critical minerals and electricity as strategic assets.

While acknowledging the tariffs will be painful, Ford pointed to the creation of over 50,000 new jobs in Ontario over the last four months as evidence of a diversified economy. He stated the provincial government would support affected workers and noted he has confidence in the viability of the sector after speaking with Unifor, auto part manufacturers, and CEOs of the auto and steel industries. Ford called on other premiers to maintain a "Team Canada" approach to counter the Trump administration.