Ontario Premier Takes the Lead as Trudeau’s Influence Wanes in Canada
With Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stepping back from the political forefront, Ontario Premier Doug Ford has taken it upon himself to act as Canada’s de facto national spokesman. Ford is countering “51st state” jabs and positioning Canada as a vital partner to President-elect Donald Trump, proposing what he calls “a new American and Canadian century.”
Last month, Ford threatened to cut energy exports to the U.S. over Trump’s tariff threats. But on Wednesday, during a visit to a nuclear power plant, he proposed a collaborative vision he dubbed “Fortress Am-Can,” advocating for expanded cross-border energy infrastructure. His plan includes building out the clean electricity grid, increasing nuclear power generation, and establishing a bilateral working group to accelerate energy projects.
“Someone had to stand up for Canada,” Ford said, as Trudeau remains largely out of the spotlight following Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland’s resignation and his announcement to step down once a new Liberal leader is chosen.
Ford has emerged as a regular presence on U.S. cable news, filling a federal political vacuum with his populist, plain-spoken style. As a leading counterpoint to Trump, Ford is pushing Canada’s international relevance. “Ontario, with its fleet of nuclear power plants and the first small modular reactors in the G7, is uniquely positioned,” he said, also highlighting Saskatchewan uranium refined in Ontario as critical to U.S. needs.
The premier also voiced Canada’s commitment to partnering with the U.S. against economic challenges posed by China. “America’s decoupling from China requires dedication and, most of all, allies. Canada is here to help,” he stated.
Ford’s growing influence extends to his role as head of the federation of Canadian premiers, which successfully prompted Trudeau to agree to a meeting with provincial leaders in Ottawa. Ford emphasized pressing issues like tariff negotiations and border security, calling for increased federal investment in NATO commitments and border patrols to reassure U.S. allies.
He also dismissed Trump’s notion of annexing Canada, urging a focus on strengthening bilateral industries instead. “Let’s stand unapologetically for Canadian and American workers. Together, we can usher in a new era of shared prosperity,” Ford declared.
Meanwhile, federal officials remain focused on managing economic fallout from U.S. tariff threats. Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc reaffirmed his commitment to working with stakeholders, while Immigration Minister Marc Miller dismissed annexation rhetoric as unserious but concerning.
Trudeau, in a recent statement on X, unequivocally rejected the idea, stating there was “not a snowball’s chance in hell” of it happening.
As Canada navigates its shifting political and economic landscape, Ford’s assertive leadership signals a new chapter in provincial-federal relations and the country’s role on the global stage.
