Ontario Premier Urges Canada to Double Tariffs on US Steel, Aluminum

Ontario Premier Doug Ford is urging Canada’s federal government to respond to President Trump’s recent doubling of steel and aluminum tariffs from 25 to 50 percent by imposing equivalent or increased retaliatory tariffs on U.S. imports, emphasizing the need to protect Canadian jobs and industry. Ford has communicated directly with Prime Minister Mark Carney and Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc, pressing for immediate and robust countermeasures, including revisiting previous tariffs on electricity exports to the U.S. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Carney acknowledges the tariffs as unjustified and harmful to both American and Canadian industries and confirms ongoing intensive negotiations with the U.S., though he has not committed to escalating retaliation at this time. Canada currently maintains counter-tariffs on over $90 billion in U.S. imports, and while discussions continue, Ontario’s leadership is pushing for a more aggressive posture to prevent Canadian industries from being undermined. Canadian officials, including Ambassador Kirsten Hillman, indicate that talks with the U.S. are progressing but a final deal has yet to be reached. The situation reflects a tense trade dispute with potential economic repercussions on both sides as Canada seeks to balance retaliation with negotiations.