Ontario Premier Doug Ford says he and Prime Minister Mark Carney are standing shoulder to shoulder in response to tariff threats from U.S. President Donald Trump, despite occasional political and personal differences.
“Make no mistake about it, it’s Team Canada,” Ford said Tuesday. “One hundred per cent — you have squabbles with your family, but we come out united.”
Ford made the remarks a day after hosting Carney for a private meeting and lunch in Etobicoke, where the two leaders discussed trade tensions and Ottawa’s recent decision to reduce tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles — a move Ford has previously criticized due to concerns about Ontario’s auto sector.
Joking about their differing pizza preferences, Ford acknowledged that while he and the prime minister don’t agree on everything, cooperation is essential as Canada faces economic pressure from the United States.
“We’re a big family,” Ford said. “We’re going up to Ottawa this week, and we’re united.”
Carney echoed that message ahead of a first ministers’ meeting, calling the gathering an opportunity to show national resolve in the face of external economic threats. In a social media post, the prime minister said governments across the country are focused on protecting workers, lowering costs, and building a more resilient economy.
The renewed show of unity comes amid escalating rhetoric from Washington, including Trump’s threat to impose steep tariffs on Canadian goods. Both leaders have framed the dispute as a moment requiring cooperation across party lines and between levels of government.
Federal Industry Minister Mélanie Joly, who met with Ford earlier this week, said collaboration between Ontario and Ottawa is critical, particularly in protecting manufacturing and auto-sector jobs.
As part of that effort, the federal and Ontario governments have agreed to establish a joint auto task force to coordinate future investments and ensure trade policies support workers and domestic production.
Despite their political differences — and contrasting views on pizza toppings — Ford and Carney appear keen to project a united front as Canada prepares for challenging trade negotiations with its largest trading partner.