Doug Ford's Warning

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has issued a stark warning to residents in light of U.S. President Donald Trump's anticipated announcement about a sweeping new round of tariffs. Ford emphasized that Ontarians should "fasten" their seatbelts as the announcement, labeled “Liberation Day” by Trump, is expected to bring significant changes to trade relations.

Tariff Details Awaited

On the eve of the announcement, details remain scarce about the specifics of the tariffs Trump plans to impose. This follows a series of already implemented levies, including recent 25 percent tariffs on steel and aluminum that have rattled the market and raised concerns among Canadian businesses.

Communication with U.S. Officials

During a radio interview with Newstalk 1010, Ford disclosed that he had reached out to U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick for insight on potential impacts for Ontario, but received no definitive information. “Lutnick told me he didn’t know,” Ford recounted, suggesting either a lack of information or a failure to communicate effectively from the U.S. administration. He expressed skepticism about Trump's understanding of the potential repercussions, stating, “Let’s fasten our seatbelt and get ready.”

Impact of Tariffs

Referring to the impending tariffs, Ford remarked, “Trump calls it Liberation Day; I call it Termination Day for quite a few Americans if this goes through. It is going to hurt America just like it is going to hurt Canadians.” The upcoming tariffs are expected to take effect on April 2, with significant implications for both the Canadian economy and American trade relationships.

Automotive Sector Concerns

In a statement made earlier, Trump indicated that a 25 percent tariff on imported vehicles would become effective shortly after the announcement. Ford noted that this tariff might only apply to vehicles based on their non-American parts, which could mitigate some of the harsh effects that could potentially devastate Ontario’s critical auto sector. "Can we survive? Yes. Am I happy? No. We should not be tariffed whatsoever,” he lamented.

Historical Context

The long-standing Canada-U.S. Auto Pact of 1965 is central to these discussions, as Ford pointed out the complexities of unraveling decades of established trade agreements. “You can’t unscramble an egg made back in 1965. We need to create a larger omelette — that's what I believe we should do in collaboration with our U.S. counterparts,” he argued.

Government Response Plans

In a response to the looming tariffs, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced no exemptions would be granted. However, uncertainty remains regarding the full revival of tariffs on Canadian and Mexican goods that had been partially delayed until the same date.

Conclusion and Concerns

Expressing his concern, Ford stated he is "very concerned" about the potential of additional tariffs and understands that “everything remains on the table” regarding Canadian responses. He suggested that retaliation plans will be crafted only after Trump’s announcement, allowing Canadian leaders to assess their next steps appropriately.

As the trade landscape remains volatile, Ford's strong words and protective stance highlight the ongoing tension between Canada and the U.S., and the uncertainty facing businesses on both sides of the border. The implications of Trump's tariff policies could shape the economic future for countless Ontario workers and industries. Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.