Ontario Premier Doug Ford has sounded the alarm over the potential fallout of U.S. president-elect Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs on Canadian goods, warning they could jeopardize up to half a million jobs in the province.
Trump has pledged to impose a 25% tariff on all imports from Canada and Mexico through an executive order, which he has vowed to sign on his first day back in office.
Speaking about the possible repercussions, Ford revealed that provincial officials estimate job losses could range from 450,000 to 500,000, depending on the specific sectors targeted by the tariffs. He acknowledged that Ontario’s manufacturing and export-driven economy faces significant risk under the proposed measures.
In response to the looming threat, Ford hinted at the possibility of deploying tens of billions of dollars in stimulus spending to cushion the economic blow. He also raised the idea of an early provincial election to secure public support for such unprecedented financial measures. However, he did not specify a timeline for such an election.
The premier expressed concern that Trump’s administration may opt for a “slow roll” approach to implementing the tariffs, prolonging uncertainty and amplifying their negative effects.
Ford emphasized the urgency of coordinated action, as Canada’s premiers are set to convene with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Wednesday. He urged the federal government to “get their act together” and finalize a comprehensive plan to address the potential economic crisis.
The meeting of all 13 premiers with Trudeau is expected to focus on strategies to mitigate the economic fallout and present a unified response to the U.S. tariffs.