Canadian Provinces Back Ontario Anti-Tariff Ads Amid US Trade Dispute

Ontario Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy defended the province's multi-million-dollar anti-tariff ad campaign featuring former U.S. President Ronald Reagan, calling it money well spent for raising awareness about the harmful effects of trade wars on both Canada and the U.S. Despite U.S. President Donald Trump labeling the ad as "fake" and using it as justification to halt trade negotiations and impose additional tariffs on Canadian goods, the ad's message aligns with Reagan's original sentiments against tariffs. Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced a pause on the ad campaign to facilitate the resumption of trade talks, although the ads continued to run during the World Series weekend. Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew and B.C. Premier David Eby publicly supported the campaign and announced their own efforts to counteract the tariffs, emphasizing the negative impact on workers and the economy. Kinew released a video backing the ad, asserting that Trump's tariff policies contradict Reagan's legacy and urging Ford to keep the ads on air. The controversy highlights ongoing tensions in Canada-U.S. trade relations, with Canadian leaders united in opposing tariffs and promoting dialogue.