Ontario Premier Ford Discusses Anti-Tariff Ad Amid US Trade Tensions

Ontario Premier Doug Ford revealed that Prime Minister Mark Carney called him multiple times from Asia urging him to pull an anti-tariff advertisement that angered U.S. President Donald Trump and led to the cancellation of trade talks. Despite Carney's requests and apology to Trump, Ford initially refused to remove the ad, which featured former President Ronald Reagan warning about tariffs, citing its impact in swaying Republican senators to oppose tariffs on Canada. Ford defended the ad as factual and claimed it was the most successful commercial in North America, asserting he would never apologize to Trump. The ad was eventually paused after running during major U.S. sports events, but trade negotiations have not resumed. Meanwhile, British Columbia Premier David Eby decided not to run similar anti-tariff ads, opting instead to cooperate with the federal government to ease tensions. Ford emphasized his different recollection of conversations with Carney but maintained a positive relationship with him while continuing to fight for Ontario's interests.