Ontario Premier Doug Ford is making headlines not just for his usual political maneuvers but rather for his unwavering stand against U.S. tariffs. Stepping directly onto the international stage and prioritizing his province's interests, Ford's audacity has taken center stage as he confronts the Trump administration with unexpected tactics.
Recent events ignited the flames of what has now evolved beyond just rhetoric—a trade war between Canada and the United States. On the surface, Ford's initial delight at Donald Trump’s election was soon overshadowed by the reality of rising tariffs. The premier's calls to act were met with the full attention of Trump, who was quick to criticize Canadian policies he deemed unfair. But Ford refused to sit idly by. Last Monday, he announced plans to impose a hefty 25% surcharge on electricity supplied to three U.S. states—a move intended to showcase Ontario's economic leverage.
The tension reached its zenith when Ford's threat caught Trump’s attention, leading the U.S. president to label Ford as a “very strong man.” Trump acknowledged Ford's firm stance during his comments on March 11, indicating some recognition of the premier's unusual approach. Following this acknowledgment, Ford postponed his planned surcharge after discussions with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, signaling his readiness to negotiate.
Ford and Canada’s federal Finance Minister, Dominic LeBlanc, met with Lutnick and other U.S officials on March 13, 2025, to address the looming tariffs and the broader trade relationship. Ford described the discussions as “productive,” emphasizing his intention to remain firm and not “roll over” against Trump's increasingly aggressive strategies.
Despite the absence of tangible agreements, Ford emerged from the nearly two-hour meeting with optimism, stating, “I’m feeling very positive.” This sentiment stands against the bristling backdrop of Trump's prior assertions of independence from Canadian goods, exemplifying the delicate balance of power at the negotiating table. He threatened to bolster tariffs on aluminum and steel, leading to increased pressure on Ford's support for retaliatory measures.
Yet, Ford insists he won’t let intimidation dictate Ontario's path. “Now, he (Trump) wants to attack our families, take food off our table, shut down our manufacturing facilities, and as the Premier of Ontario, I’m supposed to roll over? I can tell you, I’ll never roll over, never ever,” Ford stated, clearly establishing his commitment to prioritize the economic wellbeing of his constituents.
Moving forward, Ford made clear his readiness to cooperate but stressed the necessity of mutual respect. The meetings are expected to continue, with both sides needing to assess the challenges posed by tariffs effectively. Ford's appearance on American news outlets fortifies his dual role not just as provincial leader but as Canada’s spokesperson against U.S. tariff aggression. Echoing sentiments across the nation, Ford's stance has garnered considerable support at home, with polls indicating most Canadians favor retaliatory responses to U.S. trade actions.
Much of the pressure Ford faces is derived from Ontario's unique position as Canada’s economic powerhouse, contributing significantly to sectors like manufacturing and services which are deeply intertwined with American markets. The stakes are incredibly high, as tariffs on Canadian energy products can lead to significant disruptions on both sides of the border.
Canadian officials, including Ford and LeBlanc, have rallied behind the need to maintain Canada's economic integrity, with LeBlanc stating, “We are your largest customer. There’s no one who buys more products off the United States than we do.”
The narrative continues to evolve as Ford, buoyed by promises of united support from his fellow premiers and the incoming leadership of Prime Minister-designate Mark Carney, prepares for what lies ahead. Just prior to this pivotal meeting, Ford strategized with Carney, stressing, “We’ve got to stand strong against Trump’s threats.” Their discussions highlighted the importance of presenting a united front to the U.S. administration.
The road forward remains steep, but Ford’s actions are setting the stage for what could be significant changes to the Canada-U.S. trade dynamic. By focusing his negotiating strategy on strength and resolve, Ford is crafting his legacy even as he strives to protect Ontario’s interests. This high-stakes political chess game is far from over, and both Ford and Trump are poised to make their next move.
The outcome of this negotiation process could dictate trade policies affecting millions of Canadians. Ottawa's response to Trump’s aggressive stance will shape the future of economic relations between both nations, with Ford maintaining, "We’ll continue to negotiate through strength." The element of uncertainty looms large, but the stakes sitting on the negotiating table are higher than ever.