Ontario Premier Doug Ford reiterated his commitment to advancing the province's mining industry and criticized the federal government for delays associated with environmental approvals during the annual Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) convention held on March 3, 2025. His remarks come on the heels of recent protectionist measures introduced by the United States, which have raised tensions between the two nations. This situation is exacerbated by his recent re-election, which he emphasized has granted him the mandate to push for significant legislative changes concerning mining operations.
Ford made it clear he intends to fight against any proposed U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods, stating he will take the battle "dollar for dollar and to the death.” He declared, “For the President, I am a different type of cat. I’ll fight tooth and nail. I’m not going to roll over and get annihilated.” His warp-speed response mistakenly plays down the gravity of potential job losses and economic disruptions looming on the horizon.
On the same day, Ford proposed designations of areas rich in minerals, such as the renowned Ring of Fire, as regions of strategic importance. “This would trigger accelerated approvals, including automatic approvals for trusted project proponents on early works,” Ford explained, aiming to streamline the processing of mining projects. This designation would not only bolster local economies but also improve partnerships with First Nations, emphasizing their participation and benefits from mining developments.
Part of the plan includes the Ontario government's establishment of a new $500-million fund aimed at critically enhancing the processing of minerals within the province. This effort is uniquely positioned against the backdrop of Western efforts to reduce dependency on China for processing key minerals such as copper, nickel, and lithium—all pivotal for electric vehicle manufacture.
Ford’s Progressive Conservative party noted plans to triple loan guarantees available to First Nations communities to $3 billion. This financial commitment would also see the introduction of $70 million earmarked for skills training programs to bolster job preparation within these communities. But the legislative changes required to implement these proposals are paused until at least March 17, 2025, when the cabinet can reconvene.
Following Ford's remarks, U.S. President Donald Trump issued renewed threats of imposing sweeping tariffs on Canadian goods, which sent stock markets spiraling. The Canadian S&P/TSX Composite Index fell by 1.54%, reflecting fears of economic turmoil, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 1.47%. Such moves from Trump raise alarm bells not just for politicians, but for communities whose livelihoods depend on the seamless exchange of goods between the two nations.
“We have the minerals the world needs and the world-class workforce to get them out of the ground, but we don’t want to see those minerals ripped and shipped overseas or south of the border to be processed,” Ford stated emphatically, envisioning Ontario's economic future rooted firmly at home.
Meanwhile, as the Canadian government ramps up its response to the tariffs, it announced retaliatory measures targeting $30 billion worth of U.S. goods—an act characterized by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as needed to protect Canadian workers and businesses. “There is no justification for these tariffs,” he vowed, affirming Canada would take all necessary steps against any economic aggression.
The broad scope of these counter-tariffs will affect American steel and aluminum, agricultural exports, and consumer goods, promising to inflict tangible financial consequences on U.S. industries. The stakes are high; analysts warn these actions could lead to steep increases in costs for Canadian consumers. Manufacturing, agriculture, and the steel industry—critical components of Canada’s economic fabric—will undoubtedly face tough times.
Ontario's government, under Ford’s leadership, has declared intentions of undertaking severe retaliatory measures independent of federal actions. This includes hints of shutting off energy exports to the U.S. “If we need to cut off their energy, I’ll do it with a smile on my face,” he remarked, underscoring the seriousness of the province's intent to push back against tariffs.
Ford's aggressive pursuits to secure Ontario's economic interests reflect broader concerns about trade relations and jobs, particularly in more vulnerable regions heavily reliant on manufacturing. Experts project if escalations continue, workplace layoffs and factory closures may emerge on both sides of the border.
The economic uncertainty could see acts of retaliation evolve, inviting potential legal battles through established trade agreements like the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) and engagement with the World Trade Organization (WTO).
“I’ll be making it clear to the federal government,” Ford said, “that the time for the redundant, wrongheaded impact assessment requirements is over. They’re done. We cannot afford to add years and years of delays, massive costs to projects so the federal government can waste time repeating and replicational assessments.”
With tensions simmering on both sides, Canada’s economic future hangs delicately in the balance. It remains uncertain how long the trade war will last, but the ripple effects through multiple sectors emerge with alarming speed, demanding vigilance from both states as the next steps remain shrouded in ambiguity.