Premier Doug Ford has touted the strength of Ontario’s manufacturing industry and suggested that U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s promised tariffs may have something to do with him viewing Ontario as a “threat.” There is.
Ford made the comments Tuesday during Question Period at Queen’s Park in response to comments by NDP Leader Marit Stiles that questioned the government’s record.
“We are the envy of North America and the envy of the world,” the prime minister said. “You wonder why President-elect Trump wants to impose tariffs? Because we are a threat to the United States. We are a manufacturing powerhouse. All you have to do is ask America.” The great governors, senators, congressmen, women that I talk to every week… they’re seeing the growth here, and we’re is their biggest competitor. ”
On his first day in office, President Trump promised to impose a 25% tariff on all imports from Canada and Mexico.
Since President Trump first announced the plan last month, Ford has vocally voiced his opposition to the tariffs, saying the next president should focus his attention on Mexico instead and saying the idea would “heart-warming family members.” It’s like being stabbed in the face.” ”
The Ford government also recently launched an American advertising campaign promoting Ontario as a “Northern ally.”
Mr. Ford announced Tuesday that the countries’ prime ministers will meet virtually with the prime minister on Wednesday to discuss the threat of U.S. tariffs on Canadian imports.
The meeting came two weeks after the prime ministers first discussed their concerns with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Mr. Ford said the federal government had committed to presenting the prime minister with a plan for its negotiating approach with Mr. Trump and his officials.
He expects the plan will include strengthening border security, an issue President Trump highlighted in his first tariff threat, and fulfilling NATO’s promise to spend 2% of GDP on defense. He said that
According to the Ontario government, Ontario’s total trade with the United States in 2023 will reach approximately $500 billion.
Ian Lee, an associate professor at Carleton University’s Sprott School of Management, told CP24.com last month that Trump’s promised tariffs would have a “concentrated” and “disproportionate” impact on Ontario. spoke.
“Ontario is going to be hit very hard,” he warned.
With files from The Canadian Press
