Ontario Premier Doug Ford is calling the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to strike down key tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump “another important victory,” while warning that the broader trade battle is far from finished.
Ford made the remarks Friday in a post on social media, shortly after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Trump did not have the authority to impose sweeping global tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). The 6-3 ruling concluded that the president overstepped his powers when he declared a national emergency to levy tariffs on Canada and other countries.
Under that emergency authority, Trump had imposed 35 per cent tariffs on Canadian goods. However, those duties did not apply to products compliant with the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), nor did they affect sector-specific tariffs already in place on automobiles, lumber, steel and aluminum.
“We need to watch how the White House reacts,” Ford wrote. “We need to keep up the fight against tariffs on auto, steel, aluminum and forestry, which remain in place and continue to hurt our workers.”
The premier emphasized that while the ruling represents progress, Ontario industries are still facing significant pressure from existing U.S. trade measures. He pledged to continue advocating for the removal of all remaining tariffs impacting Canadian exports.
“I won’t stop fighting until every last tariff against Canada is dropped so we can grow our economies and create jobs on both sides of the border,” Ford said.
Ford added that his government is prepared to do “whatever it takes” to protect Ontario’s workers, families and businesses from the economic impact of ongoing trade tensions.
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow also responded to the ruling, signaling that regardless of tariff developments, the city is focused on strengthening and diversifying its economy. Speaking at an unrelated news conference Friday morning, Chow said Toronto is expanding partnerships in sectors such as film and television to reduce vulnerability to external trade pressures.
“Tariff or no tariff, we are diversifying our approach so that we have a stronger base,” Chow said. She added that initiatives encouraging residents to shop local will continue as part of efforts to bolster economic resilience.
Meanwhile, President Trump expressed disappointment with the Supreme Court’s ruling, describing it as “deeply” troubling. He also announced plans to sign an executive order imposing a new 10 per cent global tariff under a separate legal authority.
While the Court’s decision removes one layer of tariffs introduced under emergency powers, significant sectoral duties remain in place. With new trade measures potentially on the horizon, Ontario leaders say vigilance and continued advocacy will be critical to protecting jobs and economic stability on both sides of the border.