“I guess he’s still upset that in 1812 we burnt down the White House and he’s holding a grudge after 212 years.” Ford says
Ontario Premier Doug Ford described U.S. President-elect Donald Trump as a “funny guy” in an interview with Fox News host Neil Cavuto on Wednesday, referencing Trump’s recent quip that Canada should become the 51st state of the United States.
The interview primarily focused on Trump’s plans to impose a 25% tariff on all imports from Canada and Mexico unless both countries take stronger action to stop the flow of illegal drugs and migrants into the U.S. Trump also proposed an additional 10% tariff on Chinese imports.
Premier Ford, who has been advocating for Ontario’s economic interests, expressed frustration over the tariff threats. “Why would the U.S. attack its closest friend? It’s like a family member stabbing you right in the heart,” Ford said. He highlighted Ontario’s significant trade relationship with the U.S., stating that the province alone engages in $500 billion in two-way trade annually, which is “equally split down the centre.”
Ford launched an American ad campaign branding Ontario as an “ally to the North” and emphasized the importance of a strong Canada-U.S. partnership. “We’ve always had an incredible relationship between Canada and the U.S., and we want to continue that. We want to make sure that we build the Can-Am Fortress per se,” Ford said.
Ford further called for the U.S. to shift its focus to other countries: “The real focus should be on China and Mexico, not on attacking a trading partner like Canada, which does $1.3 trillion in trade with the U.S. every year.”
When asked about Trump’s suggestion that Canada should join the U.S. as a state to mitigate economic impacts, Ford responded with humor, calling Trump a “funny guy” with a “good sense of humor.” Ford quipped, “I guess he’s still upset that in 1812 we burnt down the White House and he’s holding a grudge after 212 years.”
Trump also shared a doctored image of himself standing beside a Canadian flag on social media with the caption: “Oh Canada!”
Kirsten Hillman, Canada’s ambassador to the U.S., commented on Trump’s joking demeanor, saying it was “reassuring” and indicative of a comfortable relationship between the two countries. “Any good joke always hits a little bit of a nerve,” Hillman said. “Let’s focus on the work ahead with the Trump administration.”
Experts, including University of Calgary economist Trevor Tombe, warn that the proposed tariffs could have severe consequences for Canada’s economy, potentially reducing real GDP by 2.6% annually and costing Canadians approximately $2,000 per person.
Despite the challenges, Ford remains optimistic about maintaining strong cross-border ties and protecting Ontario’s economic interests.