Ontario Premier Doug Ford joined a discussion on Fox News from Toronto Monday to address the recent tariff announcement by former U.S. President Donald Trump targeting Canada. The conversation centered on the potential fallout and the importance of maintaining a strong U.S.-Canada relationship.
When asked where the situation could go from here, Ford expressed hope for diplomacy. “Hopefully, calmer heads will prevail,” he said. “We’re the number one customer to the U.S. In 28 states, they rely on us for the products they ship up. I just want to build a strong North American fortress—the strongest, most prosperous, and safest two countries in the world.”
READ: White House Defends Trump’s Tariffs As Necessary To Protect American Economy, Combat Fentanyl Crisis
Ford emphasized Canada’s critical role in supplying the U.S. with essential resources, including high-grade nickel and cobalt, which are vital for American military and manufacturing sectors. “Ontario alone ships 50 percent of its high-grade nickel to the U.S.,” he noted. “Not to mention the 4.3 million barrels of oil we send down every day. Just imagine if you didn’t have that 1.2 billion barrels a year coming into the U.S.”
The discussion turned to President Trump’s recent social media post, in which he claimed the U.S. does not need Canada’s resources, stating, “We have unlimited energy. We should make our own cars and have more than we could ever use without the massive subsidy. Canada ceases to exist as a viable country.”
Ford pushed back on this rhetoric, highlighting the deeply intertwined economies of the two nations. “We buy as many autos as we sell down there, and the ones we sell have 50 percent American parts,” he explained. “Since the 1960s, our industries have been interconnected. Ontario alone keeps the lights on in 1.5 million homes in New York, Michigan, and Minnesota.”
READ: Ontario Premier Doug Ford Slams Trump’s Tariffs As “Unfair” And “Illegal,” Vows Retaliatory Measures
Ford expressed frustration over the focus on Canada when larger global issues demand attention. “There are more problems in the world than attacking your closest friend and treasured ally,” he said.
When asked how he would resolve the dispute if he were in the room with President Trump, Ford emphasized his business-minded approach. “We’re both businesspeople,” he said. “We sit down, negotiate, and look at the benefits. The reality is simple: inflation will happen in the U.S. and Canada. Interest rates will go up. A pickup truck manufactured here will cost Americans 25 percent more, and vice versa. We’re your allies, your friends. We need to build strong nations together, not fight each other.”
The conversation concluded with Ford’s call for unity and cooperation. “We need to work together and be two strong nations, not separated,” he reiterated.
As trade tensions simmer, Ford’s message underscores the importance of preserving the longstanding economic and diplomatic ties between the U.S. and Canada.
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