Ontario Ad to Air in US Following Trump Tariff Threat: ‘This Ally to the North Has Been by Your Side’

Ontario Ad to Air in US Following Trump Tariff Threat: ‘This Ally to the North Has Been by Your Side’
Ontario Premier Doug Ford at a press conference in Ottawa, on Feb. 7, 2023. Spencer Colby/The Canadian Press
Michael Wing
Updated:
0:00

Following President-elect Donald Trump’s threat to impose a 25 percent tariff on Canadian goods, Ontario Premier Doug Ford told reporters in Mississauga on Nov. 28 he still intends to “take the positive approach” to Canada–U.S. relations.

Ford followed up his comments by unveiling a new ad campaign on Dec. 2 that emphasizes mutual cooperation. “For generations this ally to the north has been by your side,” the ad says.

The ad characterizes Ontario as “a partner” to the United States, connected by shared history, values, and vision—“stable and secure when the world around us isn’t.”

Ford posted the ad on the social media platform X, along with the caption: “For months, Ontario has been preparing for a new administration in Washington. As part of that work, today we’re launching a national U.S. advertising campaign.

“In a changing world, let’s bring jobs back home and build together—more workers, more trade, more security, more prosperity.”

On Nov. 25, Trump announced the tariffs to be implemented on imports from Canada and Mexico until both countries take action to stop the flow of illegal drugs and migrants crossing their respective borders into the United States. Posting on Truth Social, Trump wrote: “Both Mexico and Canada have the absolute right and power to easily solve this long simmering problem. We hereby demand that they use this power, and until such time that they do, it is time for them to pay a very big price!”

The announcement was followed by worried reactions from Canada’s premiers, citing the devastating impact of the tariffs on their economies, including the auto sector in Ontario and the energy sector in Alberta and other parts of Canada. The premiers have been calling for more action from the federal government to avert the tariffs.

Prime Minister Trudeau Justin Trudeau flew to Florida on Nov. 29 to meet with Trump at his Mar-a-Lago estate. Following the meeting, Trudeau said it was an “excellent conversation,” while Trump said, “Trudeau has made a commitment to work with us to end this terrible devastation of U.S. families.” Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc, who accompanied Trudeau on the trip, said following the meeting that Canada is going to boost border patrols and purchase more equipment such as drones and helicopters to increase border security.
Ford told reporters in Mississauga on Nov. 28, “We look forward to tightening up the border, all the premiers agree, the prime minister agrees.”

The video posted by Ford mentions Ontario’s supply of “critical minerals crucial to” the U.S.’s new technology.

Reuters contributed to this report.
Michael Wing
Michael Wing
Editor and Writer
Michael Wing is a writer and editor based in Calgary, Canada, where he was born and educated in the arts. He writes mainly on culture, human interest, and trending news.