Doug Ford calls federal auto strategy ‘great’ and says Ontario will be part of it after meeting with Carney and Joly

Abigail Bimman has more on Prime Minister Mark Carney's meeting with Ontario Premier Doug Ford amid criticisms over the recent trade deal with China.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford appears to have had a change of heart when it comes to the federal government’s auto strategy after hearing more about it from federal officials.

“I also want to thank Minister (Mélanie) Joly for coming up with a great auto strategy that the minister has put together that we’re going to be part of,” Ford said at a news conference with Joly at Queen’s Park Monday after the two met.

While the two did not unveil specifics, Ford said he still believes any countries bringing vehicles into Canada should support existing Canadian auto workers.

“If companies are going to come in, no matter if it’s from China or over in Europe or over in Asia there, we have one request; build the vehicles here, protect the auto sector,” Ford said. “Make sure you get your parts here. Make sure we get the technology here. Make sure you follow the guidelines.”

Joly said the federal government is creating an “auto task force” to coordinate between Ottawa and Ontario and agreed Canada does not want to see any erosion of its manufacturing sector.

“Obviously we understand the pain that the auto workers are going through as the auto industry is facing real threats from U.S. tariffs,” Joly said.

She said one thing the government can control is “what we do with our manufacturing sector here in Ontario” and that will involve coordination.

“The idea of this Auto Task Force will be about looking at future strategic investments and making sure also that we protect our workforce, and particularly our unionized workforce, and also making sure that trade works for workers and that they don’t feel that it’s going against them,” Joly said.

Last week Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a trade deal with China that would see 49,000 Chinese-made electric vehicles come into Canada per year in exchange for loosened tariffs on canola and other Canadian products.

Ford railed against the deal after it was announced, saying it would come at the expense of Canadian workers. He also said Carney had not consulted him or reached out to discuss it.

At a news conference with auto industry representatives, he said it was unlikely China would ever build the vehicles in Ontario.

Hours before Ford’s meeting with Joly, the two men appeared to have patched up their differences, sharing a slice at an Etobicoke pizza joint.

Ford said they have disagreements from time to time, but agree on “99 per cent” of matters.

Joly said the conditions for Chinese-made EVs to come into Canada will be unveiled in the coming weeks.