Ontario Premier Doug Ford took direct aim at U.S. President Donald Trump during a speech to hundreds of Brampton business leaders on Friday, criticizing the American president’s trade policies while emphasizing Ontario’s rising global economic standing.
Speaking at a Brampton Board of Trade event on June 20, Ford did not hold back on the damage caused by what he described as a “trade war” initiated by Trump’s tariffs on Canadian exports.
“President Trump’s tariffs are taking direct aim at Ontario’s economy and our workers,” Ford said. “He thinks the U.S. doesn’t need Canada—well, he’s wrong. He needs us, and his people need us.”
Ford reassured the audience that his government is aggressively moving to protect Ontario’s interests by cutting red tape, unlocking natural resources, and fostering a highly competitive investment environment. “We will fight like we’ve never fought before,” he said, warning of retaliatory tariffs if Trump continues with trade restrictions.
The premier stressed his administration’s focus on strengthening domestic industries like steel and aluminum, which have been hit with 50% tariffs by the U.S. He emphasized the importance of “onshoring” these sectors to create jobs and reduce dependency on volatile international markets.
“A tariff on Canada is a tax on Americans. Simple as that,” he said. “Trump can’t see the forest beyond the trees—he’s losing business.”
Ford also called for the dismantling of interprovincial trade barriers, highlighting outdated rules that have restricted free commerce within Canada itself.
“People didn’t even realize Canada had its own free trade agreement,” Ford noted. “It was so outdated we couldn’t even ship a bottle of wine from Ontario to B.C. We’re tearing down those barriers.”
On the local front, Ford spotlighted several major infrastructure projects underway in Brampton, citing them as examples of his government’s investment in long-term growth and prosperity:
- Brampton’s second full-service hospital, which began construction earlier this year
- Toronto Metropolitan University’s (TMU) new medical school, opening this fall in downtown Brampton
- The Hazel McCallion LRT extension, which will be tunnelled into the city’s core
- The proposed Highway 413, set to run through the northern edge of Brampton
“The 401 is already at full capacity, and even the 407 will be maxed out within 10 years,” Ford warned. “That’s why Highway 413 and these other projects are absolutely critical.”
The premier’s speech underscored his dual message: firm opposition to Trump’s economic nationalism and a strong defense of Ontario’s economic resilience, fueled by strategic infrastructure investments and a commitment to interprovincial and international trade.
As Ontario braces for the next phase of economic uncertainty, Ford made clear that his government intends to lead by building — and by standing firm against foreign policies that threaten local prosperity.