Ontario Premier Doug Ford says his province “has the most to lose” from the latest tariff threats by U.S. President Donald Trump. Speaking ahead of Thursday’s First Ministers meeting in Charlottetown, Ford said he is looking for a national strategy from Prime Minister Mark Carney but acknowledged one may still be weeks away as Canada prepares for Trump’s 50 per cent tariffs on a wide variety of Canadian goods ranging from hockey sticks to wine and spirits. “I feel positive… we need a Team Canada approach led by the prime minister, and that’s what we look forward to hearing from the prime minister today,” Ford said. “I don’t expect it today, but hopefully, in the next two weeks, we’ll have a strong plan that we move forward united.” Ford said U.S. President Donald Trump has already laid out his approach, adding Canada now needs to respond with one of its own. “Trump has his own strategy. We need our strategy, a strong strategy led by the prime minister,” he said. While emphasizing unity, Ford reiterated that Ontario is still prepared to respond aggressively if necessary. “Be on offence, put everything on the table. That’s my opinion. I’m speaking for Ontario and Ontario only. Everything is on the table right now,” he said. The comments build on remarks Ford made earlier this week, when he said Ontario “can’t keep rolling over for Donald Trump” and argued the province was prepared to use every tool at its disposal in response to the looming tariffs. ‘Ontario has the most to lose’ Ford said Ontario’s manufacturing-heavy economy remains particularly vulnerable should the tariffs take effect. “I have to protect the manufacturing, the auto sector, the steel sector. That’s my main focus,” he noted. “Ontario has the most to lose right now, and I will do everything to protect the people of Ontario.” He also maintained that Canada must be prepared to respond forcefully if negotiations fail. “We have to hit them back with everything we have until they feel the pain, and we have to protect Canada. We have to protect our interests and our jobs and our economy.” Ford argued Trump’s tariffs ultimately hurt Americans by creating uncertainty and discouraging investment. He also said he believes support for the U.S. president’s strategy is beginning to weaken south of the border. “I can tell you one thing: no matter if they’re Democrat or Republican, the ground is shifting down there. People are getting anxious. They want certainty. They want to make sure there’s stability in the U.S,” he said Ford added that while each province has its own economic priorities, Canada’s premiers remain united behind a Team Canada approach led by the prime minister.
