Ontario Vows to Stand Strong Against U.S. Tariffs in Ambitious Throne Speech
TORONTO – In a sweeping Speech from the Throne on Tuesday, the Ontario government laid out a bold and combative vision for the province’s future—one defined by economic self-reliance, sweeping infrastructure projects, and open defiance to U.S. President Donald Trump’s escalating tariff regime.
Delivered at Queen’s Park to open the 44th Parliament of Ontario, the speech outlined a multi-pronged strategy under the banner Protect Ontario. Framed as both a political and economic counteroffensive, the plan responds directly to what the government called “chaotic” U.S. tariff policies that threaten Ontario’s industries, workers, and sovereignty.
“Canada is not for sale. Canada will never be the 51st state,” the speech declared, striking a nationalistic tone that echoed throughout the 75-minute address.
$11 Billion in Economic Relief
The centrepiece of the government’s economic strategy is an $11 billion relief package aimed at shielding businesses and workers from the fallout of U.S. tariffs—particularly those hitting Ontario’s automotive and manufacturing sectors.
The province recommitted to maintaining its $46 billion electric vehicle and battery pact, calling on the next federal government to do the same and pressing Ottawa to distribute revenue from reciprocal tariffs directly to affected workers and businesses.
Unlocking Ontario’s Resources and Rebuilding Trade Ties
Citing the Ring of Fire region as Canada’s best point of leverage on the world stage, the province pledged new legislation to fast-track mining approvals, designate strategic mineral zones, and streamline environmental reviews. This includes a promise to prioritize First Nations equity partnerships in critical mineral projects across Northern Ontario.
The government also committed to sweeping internal reforms to eliminate interprovincial trade barriers—calling them “no different than President Trump’s tariffs”—with legislation that would automatically recognize credentials and allow full market access across provinces, conditional on reciprocity.
$200 Billion Infrastructure Buildout
Framed as the largest infrastructure investment in Canadian history, the province’s $200 billion buildout will include:
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A new tunnel expressway under Highway 401
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Full resumption of the Northlander passenger rail service
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Extensions to GO Transit in Kitchener, Niagara, and Bowmanville
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Upgrades to energy transmission and modular nuclear reactors
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Historic investments in hospitals, schools, and long-term care beds
Notably, Ontario will prioritize made-in-Canada materials—such as domestic steel and cement—for all publicly funded construction.
Tough on Crime, Tougher on Costs
The speech reaffirmed the government’s “tough-on-crime” stance, expanding Operation Deterrence at Ontario’s borders and converting drug injection sites near schools into recovery-focused hubs. The government also pledged to reintroduce legislation empowering municipalities to clear encampments and clean up public parks.
Cost-of-living concerns were another central theme. The province signalled further tax relief and reiterated its opposition to the federal carbon tax. “Taxpayer dollars belong to taxpayers, not government,” the speech stated.
Health Care Access & Workforce Development
While pledging continued public access to health care with “your OHIP card, never your credit card,” the speech emphasized efficiency and modernization through Lean methodologies.
Supported by a $1.8 billion investment, Ontario reiterated its commitment to connecting every resident with a family doctor within four years and outlined plans for expanded medical education and surgical centres.
Looking to the Past to Defend the Future
Drawing historical parallels from the War of 1812 to the pandemic, the government invoked Ontario’s legacy of resilience in the face of outside threats.
“Much like the current occupant of the White House, President Jefferson greatly underestimated the strength and resilience of the Canadian people,” the speech stated, referencing the failed U.S. invasion over two centuries ago.
The message: Ontario has overcome threats before—and will do so again.
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