Ontario Premier Doug Ford described his Thursday meeting with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick as “positive,” yet tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum exports remain firmly in place. The discussion in Washington, D.C., followed Ford’s decision earlier this week to scrap a proposed 25 percent surcharge on energy exports to the U.S., a move prompted by intensifying trade tensions and tariff threats from President Donald Trump.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Ford emphasized a cooperative approach: “We’re working toward the best outcome for both nations.” He likened the Canada-U.S. relationship to a family, acknowledging occasional friction but stressing the productivity of the talks. Despite the upbeat tone, Ford noted that the U.S. has not signaled any plans to lift the 25 percent tariffs affecting Canadian metals.
The premier expressed cautious optimism, suggesting that trade hostilities might be cooling. “I feel the temperature’s coming down,” he said, adding that he’ll meet Lutnick again next week. Ahead of the trip, Ford consulted with prime minister-designate Mark Carney and other provincial leaders to align strategies.