Ontario Premier Doug Ford expressed strong support for retaliatory tariffs after U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of a 25% tariff on imported automobiles, urging Prime Minister Mark Carney to convene a meeting with all provincial leaders.
“I fully support retaliating tariff for tariff,” Ford stated at Queen’s Park on Wednesday. “But first, we need to see what Trump actually implements on April 2.”
Ford has actively confronted Trump’s trade threats against Canada since February, previously threatening to halt electricity supplies to three American states, making appearances on U.S. media, and holding meetings with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick in Washington.
“Trump has repeatedly switched positions—promising tariffs one day and backing off another—but now he’s launched an early strike, which isn’t surprising,” Ford remarked.
Ford requested Carney to call a first ministers meeting early next week, stressing the importance of a unified “team Canada approach” ahead of the looming tariff.
“My goal isn’t to harm other provinces, but I promise you, we’re going to make sure this hurts the American economy significantly without hurting Canadians,” he emphasized.
Ford plans to call another meeting with auto industry executives once Trump’s detailed plans for April 2 are clearer, questioning the feasibility of implementing such broad tariffs immediately.
“I doubt they can realistically evaluate every automotive component by April 2. Building or shifting an auto plant doesn’t happen overnight,” Ford said.
During his conversation with Carney, Ford specifically recommended targeting American-made vehicles as part of Canada’s retaliatory strategy.
“We have two choices: surrender and let Trump walk all over us repeatedly, or endure some temporary pain and fight back fiercely,” he concluded.
Toronto Prepares Economic Defence Plan
Meanwhile, Toronto City Council approved Mayor Olivia Chow’s proactive “action plan” to safeguard Toronto’s economy and local businesses from the expected U.S. tariffs starting April 2.
The comprehensive plan includes 10 immediate measures, such as enhancing local supply chains, encouraging residents to purchase local products, prioritizing Canadian goods in procurement processes, and initiating a six-month deferral on industrial property taxes.
City staff will also be directed to shift daily expenditures from U.S.-based products to local alternatives wherever feasible.
“I’m calling on all Torontonians to rally behind our local businesses,” Chow said in a statement. “We’ve faced crises before—SARS, the 2008 recession, and COVID-19—and each time we’ve emerged stronger. We’ll do it again now.”