Ontario Premier Doug Ford has voiced strong opposition to President Donald Trump's tariffs on Canada, warning that a trade war would be detrimental to both nations.
"Everyone's feeling bullied by President Trump, and this is the worst thing you could do for the American economy," Ford stated in an interview. "I just don't see the purpose. It's absolutely backwards."
The U.S. and Canada, typically close allies, are currently engaged in a trade dispute. President Trump announced the imposition of 50% tariffs on numerous Canadian goods following the collapse of trade talks between the two countries. Canada responded by implementing retaliatory tariffs on many U.S. products, effective September 8.
Canada and the U.S. share a substantial trade relationship, with the U.S. being Canada's largest trading partner. Over 70% of Canada's total exports are destined for the U.S., while nearly 60% of Canada's imports originate from the U.S.
Crude oil is a significant factor in the trade balance, with Canada supplying 60% of the crude oil the U.S. imports from other nations, according to Prime Minister Mark Carney. This comes as the U.S. recently reached an agreement to take a majority stake in over 65 billion barrels of Venezuelan oil reserves.
When asked if the U.S. Venezuela oil deal provided leverage, Ford highlighted Canada's role. "Canada makes up 60% of the United States' crude oil imports. Does this give him a bigger bargaining chip?" he remarked. "Well, you know something? That's going to be up to President Trump. Who do you want to deal with? An unstable government like Venezuela, or do you want to deal with your No. 1 trading partner, your No. 1 ally?"
Last week, President Trump also indicated he would double auto tariffs on Canada beginning January 1, 2027, stating on social media that "Canada will be treated like a state no longer."
Ford described the potential doubling of auto tariffs as "devastating" for both countries. "It'd be devastating on both countries, but it'd be definitely devastating on the U.S. We're the largest purchaser of vehicles in the entire world off the U.S. … and they're already seeing the effect," Ford said. "A tariff on Canada is nothing more than a tax on American people, and it's probably the worst move he could ever do."
Beyond trade disputes, the recent exchange has included personal criticism and actions targeting Canadian leaders. President Trump's executive order renaming Lake Ontario, a shared Great Lake, as "Lake America" was called "disappointing" by Ford.
"It was like something out of 'Saturday Night Live' when he signed documents saying change to Lake America. No one's going to call it Lake of America. It's been Lake Ontario for hundreds of years. It's going to continue being Lake Ontario, and it's just so, so disappointing," Ford stated. He emphasized his affection for the American people, distinguishing them from their government, saying, "I love the American people. Canadians love the American people. We differentiate between the great American people and the president."