President Donald Trump is threatening steep and sweeping tariffs that would devastate Ontario’s economy, putting 450,000 jobs on the line — threatening the livelihoods of workers on factory floors, construction sites and in local stores across the province and the families and communities that depend on them.
We need to be clear-eyed about the risk. Whether he imposes tariffs next week, next month or waits a year, President Trump’s threats are not going away and are already taking a toll on our economy. He’s promised to use economic force to get his way. He’s even mused about taking over Canadian territory.
Canada is not for sale. Not to President Trump, not to anyone.
At a time when the federal government has left Canada drifting, exposed and vulnerable, President Trump will use every day he’s in office to exploit any weakness he can find. To protect Ontario, I’m asking the people for a strong mandate — a strong, stable, four-year mandate that will outlive and outlast the Trump administration. President Trump needs to know that for as long as he is president, I will be on the other side of the table ready to protect Ontario.
We’re entering a period of unprecedented economic risk and lengthy negotiations — against President Trump and with the federal government and other provinces. Responding to this challenge will demand extraordinary action: the need to invest tens of billions of dollars in unplanned spending and make tough choices to ensure Ontario’s economy is the most competitive place to invest, create jobs and do business. This includes cutting red tape and streamlining approvals to get big things built faster.
I’m prepared to make those choices. First, I need your support. The kind of action required to respond to President Trump’s threats will impact the province’s fiscal plan and our path to balance. As taxpayers, this is your money. Ontario is your province and this is your future. Your voice should be heard. At a time like this, in a democracy like ours, no politician should be against letting the people have their say.
With the trust and support of Ontario voters, we’ll be prepared to give this everything we’ve got.
I’ll continue to make the case to our American allies that we’re so much stronger together. I will also be ready to do whatever is necessary to stand up for and protect Ontario, our workers, businesses and communities.
Make no mistake: Ontario won’t start a fight with the U.S., but you better believe we’ll be ready to win one.
Over the past seven years, together with workers, businesses and union partners, we’ve made enormous progress rebuilding Ontario’s economy. After years of decline under the previous Liberal government, we’re bringing back manufacturing jobs, with more than $45 billion in new investments in the first electric vehicle and battery plants in Canada, creating thousands of jobs. We’re investing nearly $200 billion to build new roads, highways and the largest expansion of public transit in North America. We have a plan to deliver better health care and connect everyone in Ontario to a family doctor and primary care team. We’re keeping your costs down by fighting the Liberal carbon tax, removing road tolls, scrapping the licence plate sticker fee and putting more money back into your pocket with $200 taxpayer rebate cheques.
All of this progress is now under threat from President Trump’s tariffs. Team Ontario will answer the call.
I will never stop fighting to protect Ontario. With your support and with a mandate from you, the people, I will do whatever is necessary to win this fight. For our families. For our workers. For our businesses. For all of us.
National Post
Doug Ford is Premier of Ontario and the Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario.