The Ontario election campaign is focused on the potential impact of U.S. tariffs on Canadian industries, particularly the steel sector. PC Leader Doug Ford is promising a 'Fortress Am-Can' alliance with the U.S. and a ban on Chinese parts in energy procurement. NDP Leader Andrea Horwath is calling for a 'tariff-proof' economy and increased support for workers impacted by tariffs.
Tariffs are once again a major focus in the Ontario election campaign as party leaders prepare for the potential imposition of U.S. tariffs on several key Canadian goods. This follows U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement on Sunday that he intends to impose a 25 percent tariff on aluminum and steel, including imports from Canada and Mexico. This comes despite agreements reached by Trump with both countries just last week to delay the implementation of tariffs for 30 days.
Addressing reporters at a campaign stop in Oakville, Progressive Conservative (PC) Leader Doug Ford emphasized the need for Canada and its provinces to be prepared for a swift response. While acknowledging that further information regarding the scope and impact of the tariffs is still emerging, Ford stated that this situation exemplifies the ongoing challenges of dealing with the unpredictable nature of the Trump administration. He highlighted the need for a stable four-year mandate to effectively navigate these uncertainties. Ford reiterated his campaign message, emphasizing the need for a 'Fortress Am-Can,' a renewed energy and security alliance between the U.S. and Canada aimed at outcompeting China in the global race for resources and innovation. However, this proposal has not received significant support from either the federal Liberal government or the Trump administration.During the campaign stop, Ford announced that a re-elected PC government would ban Chinese parts from future energy procurement and prohibit any Chinese state-owned enterprises from acquiring stakes in Ontario government-funded energy and critical mineral projects. When contacted by CBC News, the PC campaign stated that there are currently no known instances of these practices occurring in the province and that further investigation would be required to determine if any such instances have occurred in the recent past. Ford is scheduled to lead a delegation to Washington, D.C., later this week to meet with American lawmakers and business leaders in an effort to oppose the imposition of tariffs. This trip has been criticized by opposition parties who argue that it is an inappropriate use of his office as premier during an election campaign that Ford himself initiated. Meanwhile, at her own campaign stop in Toronto, Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie criticized Ford for his perceived unpreparedness in addressing the threat of U.S. tariffs. She suggested that Ford's focus on tariffs is a deliberate attempt to distract voters from his record on issues such as affordability and healthcare, and emphasized the importance of Ontario's participation in a coordinated 'Team Canada' response to Trump's actions. Crombie stated that Ford has failed to adequately insulate the Ontario economy by diversifying trade partners, reducing interprovincial barriers, and protecting jobs. She also criticized Ford's leadership, stating that his primary concern appears to be his own political survival. Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath addressed the steelworkers in Hamilton, expressing concern over the potential impact of tariffs on their livelihoods. She pledged her unwavering support for workers in all sectors and promised to fight tirelessly for their jobs. Horwath reiterated her campaign message that Ontario needs to 'tariff-proof' its economy, although she did not provide specific details on how this would be achieved. She also emphasized the need to ensure that workers affected by tariffs receive adequate income support. Horwath further stated that Ontario is currently vulnerable due to high living costs, a struggling healthcare system, and a lack of strong leadership from the current government. She promised to establish safe nurse-to-patient ratios in hospitals and hire at least 15,000 nurses over three years, allocating $1.5 billion for this purpose. She also pledged to redirect hundreds of millions of dollars from for-profit temporary health-care staffing agencies to the public system
Ontario Politics Economy Ontario Election Doug Ford Andrea Horwath Tariffs US-Canada Trade Steel Industry Economy Energy
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