Ontario Premier Doug Ford has defended his province’s anti-tariff ad campaign targeting US trade policies stating that it successfully raised global awareness and stirred vital discussions about the impact of tariffs on both sides of the border. Ford highlighted that the ad which featured a speech by the late President Ronald Reagan warning against the dangers of high tariffs, generated over a billion impressions on social media, becoming a catalyst for debate in the US.
The controversial campaign prompted an angry response from President Donald Trump, who suspended trade talks with Canada and announced a 10% hike in tariffs on Canadian imports as retaliation. Although Ford committed to suspending the ads starting Monday, the commercial continued airing during the World Series games between the Toronto Blue Jays and Los Angeles Dodgers, further inflaming tensions.
Ford explained that Prime Minister Mark Carney and his team had reviewed the ad before its release, emphasizing its aim to educate Americans and protect Ontario’s manufacturing sector, which has suffered under recent US tariffs particularly in automotive production. Despite the ongoing friction, Ford insisted that the campaign “achieved its goal” and that Ontario will always advocate for fair trade, not one-sided deals.
Also Read:
Breaking Barriers: Celebrating Leaders, Innovators, and Decision-Makers in GCC
