Ford and Carney Unite Against U.S. Tariffs
Toronto — Ontario Premier Doug Ford and incoming Prime Minister Mark Carney met on March 12 to strategize Canada’s response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent imposition of 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports.
In a social media post following their meeting, Premier Ford emphasized the importance of unity in confronting these challenges, stating, “Together, we will get through this more united than ever before. Canada won’t relent until the threat of tariffs is gone for good.”
In retaliation to the U.S. tariffs, Canada announced nearly $30 billion in counter-tariffs on American goods, effective March 13.
Federal Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc confirmed that these measures are in addition to the 25% tariffs imposed earlier this month.
This morning, I met with Mark Carney, Canada’s incoming prime minister for a positive and productive discussion. We agreed on the need to stand firm and strong in the face of President Trump’s threats, including additional retaliatory tariffs in response to U.S. tariffs on steel… pic.twitter.com/tIGK8W2FNJ
— Doug Ford (@fordnation) March 12, 2025
Premier Ford is scheduled to travel to Washington, D.C., alongside Minister LeBlanc, to meet with U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and members of President Trump’s economic team. This meeting follows Ford’s decision to pause a proposed 25% surcharge on electricity exports to U.S. states such as New York, Minnesota, and Michigan—a move that prompted President Trump to reconsider doubling the newly imposed tariffs.
The discussions aim to address the future of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) and seek a fair free trade deal for both nations. Premier Ford expressed his commitment to collaborative efforts, stating, “Over the coming weeks and months, I’m going to work with Secretary Lutnick, our federal partners and every premier in good faith toward a free trade deal that’s fair for both countries.”
As Mark Carney prepares to assume office as Canada’s 24th prime minister, he has expressed readiness to engage in negotiations with President Trump, emphasizing the necessity of respecting Canadian sovereignty. Carney countered suggestions of merging economies by making Canada the 51st state, highlighting the importance of autonomy in any discussions.
The escalating trade tensions have raised concerns about potential economic impacts on both sides of the border. Premier Ford underscored the urgency of resolving the dispute to prevent harm to consumers and businesses in both countries, stating, “Our message tomorrow is let’s stop this. It’s going to hurt both economies. American people are going to get hurt, Canadians are going to get hurt. Let’s sit down and start moving forward on what you want to see in the CUSMA and what we want to see.”
As the situation develops, Canadian officials remain steadfast in their commitment to protecting national interests while seeking a resolution that benefits both nations.
For more updates on this evolving story, stay tuned to GTA Today.
