Since the commencement of Donald Trump’s second term, Doug Ford, the Premier of Ontario, has taken on a prominent role within the international political landscape as a formidable critic of Trump’s “America First” trade policy. Ford has become a frequently featured guest on US cable news, passionately advocating against US tariffs that adversely affect Canadian goods and making a clear declaration that “Canada is not for sale” in response to Trump’s alarming suggestion about making Canada the 51st state.
Ford’s political saga begins with his roots in a celebrated political family in Ontario. His father was actively involved in the provincial legislature, while his older brother Rob Ford gained notoriety as the Mayor of Toronto amid personal controversies including a publicized battle with substance abuse. After Rob Ford’s departure from the Toronto city council, Doug Ford seized the opportunity to enter politics, ultimately leading his party to a victory and becoming Premier in 2018.
His campaign promises were marked by strong rhetoric that polarized opinions, reminiscent of Trump’s early political style, aggressively denouncing the elite and emphasizing a commitment to transparency for taxpayers. Ford’s initial comparison to Trump was evident when he expressed preferences for a Trump presidency over a Clinton presidency.
During his tenure, however, Ford has illustrated a capacity for bipartisanship, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic, building alliances across party lines with figures like Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Political analysts note that Ford’s initial portrayal as a “slash-and-cut Conservative” was misplaced, showcasing a more collaborative approach instead.
As the premiere of Ontario, Doug Ford’s leadership has gained traction particularly in agricultural and manufacturing sectors, heavily dependent on trade with the US, which amounts to hundreds of billions of dollars annually. In his re-election campaigning earlier this year, he boldly ensured voters that he would work diligently to shield Ontario from the repercussions of Trump’s punitive tariffs, signaling his acute awareness of the real-life implications of these trade disputes.
In an energetic push to influence US consumers, Ford embarked on an advertising campaign highlighting Ontario’s role as a vital ally, urging American citizens to consider the economic effects of tariffs while enjoying the benefits of trade with Canada. His assertive tactics included deriving a significant national campaign while also implementing measures such as an order to restrict US alcohol from provincial liquor stores, urging citizens to “Buy Canadian” in response to economic pressures.
Perhaps one of Ford’s most flamboyant statements to counteract Trump’s directives involved publicly asserting that he would cease Ontario’s electricity exports to the US if tensions escalated further, showcasing a willingness to engage in a trade battle of his own. However, he has recently suspended a proposed 25% surcharge on electricity exports to certain states, reflecting a careful negotiation balance while still maintaining a confrontational posture toward Trump’s recent tariff increases on aluminum and steel imports.
During focused media engagements, Ford has invited Americans to engage in discussions for a more equitable trade agreement—a call to return to negotiations to halt the economic skirmish at hand. “Let’s stop the bleeding on both sides of the border, as China is sitting there laughing at both countries,” Ford urged supporters, advocating for collaborative negotiation to safeguard mutual benefits and relationships.
In a landscape where political theater plays a vital role, Doug Ford’s strategies—and his apparent willingness to confront Trump—illustrate his commitment to safeguarding Ontario’s economic interests while working to maintain robust US-Canada relations in the shadow of Trump’s often polarizing policies.