Ontario Premier Expresses Distrust in U.S. Trade Relations
TORONTO — Ontario Premier Doug Ford voiced concerns about U.S. President Donald Trump’s approach to trade during a recent press event. He stated that he finds it difficult to trust the president and anticipates that Trump will soon push for a review of the free trade agreement established during his first term.
Ford emphasized that the Canadian federal government must prepare for potential changes in trade policies, which he expects could arise this fall. His comments followed a private meeting with provincial premiers and Prime Minister Mark Carney, the first gathering since Trump announced a significant 35% tariff on certain Canadian goods last week. This new tariff came after both nations missed an August 1 deadline to negotiate a new agreement.
This latest measure affects goods not covered by the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which Trump has previously described as “the fairest, most balanced, and beneficial trade agreement” in history. Despite the tariff challenges, Carney noted that approximately 85% of trade between the U.S. and Canada continues without tariffs due to USMCA.
Ford expressed skepticism over whether Trump will wait for a scheduled review of the agreement in 2026, suggesting that the president may act unpredictably at any moment. “He can pull the carpet out from underneath us,” Ford remarked to reporters.
During a press conference, Prime Minister Carney mentioned that he had not recently spoken with Trump but would do so when the timing is right. He also indicated that certain tariffs on Canadian products, such as the 50% duty on steel, aluminum, and copper, are still in place, but he may consider lifting counter-tariffs to improve Canada’s position amid the current trade tension.
