Premier Ford and auto experts gather in Guelph to talk tariffs

Premier Doug Ford spoke at the Ontario Auto Mayors Roundtable in Guelph, Ont. on May 9, 2025. (Courtesy: City of Guelph)

A meeting in Guelph zeroed in on the future of the automotive industry as some worry U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff threats could pump the breaks on the vital sector.

According to Invest Ontario, more than 100,000 people are directly employed in Ontario’s auto sector with 1.2 million vehicles built in 2022 alone.

On Friday, Premier Doug Ford, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Rob Flack, mayors for 22 Ontario municipalities and automotive industry experts gathered in Guelph to discuss the challenges manufacturers face. They also discussed ways to navigate the uncertainty caused by the American tariffs.

“We’re taking action to protect autoworkers and their communities, with billions in new training and support and a clear commitment to stand by our commitments that helped secure $46 billion in electric vehicle and EV battery investments here in Ontario,” Ford said in a news release put out by the City of Guelph.

“This gathering underscores the vital role our auto industry plays in driving economic growth and innovation,” said Guelph Mayor Cam Guthrie. “With the U.S. tariffs foremost in everyone’s mind, today’s gathering comes at an ideal time. I’d like to especially thank Premier Ford for visiting Guelph and participating in this important gathering of Ontario Auto Mayors.”

Rob Burton, Oakville’s mayor and chair of the Ontario Auto Mayors, said the 2025 Action Plan will focus on boosting competitiveness, expanding EV infrastructure and building a strong critical minerals and battery supply chain.