Ontario Premier Doug Ford has outlined his “Fortress Am-Can” strategy to strengthen U.S.-Canada relations and counter the looming tariff threats posed by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. Speaking at the Mississauga Board of Trade on Thursday, Ford emphasized the need for collaboration between the two nations to safeguard their economies and shared priorities.
Fortress Am-Can would be a true partnership, one that respects each country as proudly independent, with alignment on shared priorities: free, fair, balanced trade; accelerated resource development; stronger border security; and energy security to power economic growth on both sides of our border,” Ford said during his presentation.
The plan responds to Trump’s proposed 25% tariffs on Canadian goods unless Canada strengthens border security and increases defense spending to meet NATO’s two per cent GDP target.
The plan responds to Trump’s proposed 25% tariffs on Canadian goods unless Canada strengthens border security and increases defense spending to meet NATO’s two per cent GDP target.
Charmaine Williams Backs Ford’s Vision
Charmaine Williams, Ontario’s Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity, voiced her strong support for the Premier’s initiative, highlighting its importance for women-led businesses and economic resilience.
“Premier Ford’s ‘Fortress Am-Can’ plan is exactly what we need to protect Ontario’s economy and ensure that our businesses, especially women entrepreneurs, continue to thrive,” Williams said.
She added, “This plan strengthens trade, creates more opportunities for Ontario families, and ensures we are building a future where businesses can grow and succeed without unnecessary barriers.”
Williams also emphasized the impact of the plan on creating fair opportunities for Ontario workers: “When we align with our U.S. partners, we’re not just securing trade agreements; we’re building jobs and supporting families across our province.”
Key Components of the Plan
Ford’s proposal includes:
- Eliminating Federal Taxes: Repeal of the federal digital services tax and carbon tax.
- Automotive Collaboration: Co-producing an additional one million vehicles by 2028.
- Steel and Food Trade Expansion: Increasing steel trade with the U.S. by 25% and reducing reliance on Chinese imports by boosting food trade.
- Infrastructure Growth: Expanding transportation networks between the U.S. and Canada.
- Professional Certification Alignment: Harmonizing professional certifications to ease cross-border employment.
- Energy Partnerships: Deepening collaboration on essential minerals and energy resources.
Many elements of the plan require federal support and highlight Ontario’s economic reliance on its trading relationship with the U.S.
Ford criticized the federal government’s ability to address Trump’s tariff threats, citing the leadership vacuum left by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s recent resignation announcement.
“Ontario will do everything it can to stave off Trump’s threats given that the province would be more affected than any other jurisdiction in the country,” Ford said.
Williams reiterated this sentiment, stating, “Ontario cannot afford to wait. We must take the lead in protecting our economy and our people.”
Ford recently met with Canada’s premiers and Trudeau to discuss a collective response to Trump’s tariff proposal. While most premiers agreed on a unified approach, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith declined to support export tariffs on Alberta oil, diverging from the group’s consensus.
Unprompted, Ford reiterated that Ontario does not have the resources to spend “tens of billions of dollars” if it needs to stabilize the economy due to tariffs. His remarks have fueled speculation about a potential early election to secure a stronger mandate to address the challenges.
Asked about the possibility of an election, Ford said, “We really do have to see what happens. It will depend on whether Trump immediately brings [tariffs] into force after taking office.”
Ford urged Ontario businesses with U.S. partners to advocate against the tariffs, emphasizing their mutual harm to businesses on both sides of the border.
“Tariffs will not work,” he said, calling for solidarity in addressing the economic threat.
Williams echoed this sentiment, encouraging local businesses to take action: “Ontario businesses are the backbone of our economy. By working together, we can send a strong message to our U.S. partners that collaboration, not confrontation, is the way forward.”