Ford Pushes for Canada to Be ‘First in Line for Exemptions’ as U.S. Plans Global Tariffs
Ontario Premier Doug Ford says U.S. trade representatives have signaled plans to impose a “global tariff” on trading partners starting April 2, underscoring the urgency for Canada to secure exemptions.
Speaking to reporters at Queen’s Park on Tuesday, Ford discussed his recent meeting in Washington, D.C., where he, alongside federal officials, met with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.
Ford’s office later clarified that the anticipated “global tariff” will likely take the form of the “reciprocal” tariffs that former U.S. President Donald Trump has been threatening for months.
“I can tell you what they want. They are going to put a global tariff on the whole world on April 2,” Ford said. “What we are working at is making sure we are first in line for exemptions. We made it very clear to the administration how these tariffs will hurt not only Canada but also the American people.”
Ford’s ability to secure the meeting with Lutnick followed Ontario’s decision to pause a planned 25% surcharge on electricity supplied to three U.S. states. He emphasized that without this move, the meeting “would have never happened,” avoiding what he described as a potential tit-for-tat escalation.
“We left there knowing what the U.S. wants,” Ford said, referencing discussions that also involved federal ministers Dominic LeBlanc and François-Philippe Champagne.
The U.S. has committed to introducing “reciprocal” tariffs on trading partners on April 2, though details remain unclear. It is also uncertain whether a previously suspended 25% tariff on Canadian and Mexican goods will be reinstated.
Ford expressed concern that the tariffs may extend beyond Canada and Mexico, potentially affecting a wide range of international trade. However, he remained hopeful that continued diplomatic efforts could lead to exemptions.
“We want to be in the tier-one level of countries they turn to when they realize they can’t produce the aluminum, high-grade nickel, critical minerals, and autos they need,” Ford said.
Trump previously criticized Ford’s energy-related countermeasures, remarking last week that “you shouldn’t be playing with electricity.” Lutnick echoed that sentiment, defending U.S. tariff increases as a response to Ontario’s proposed surcharge.
However, Ford noted that tensions seemed to ease during the meeting, stating that Lutnick sought to “tone down” the rhetoric, clarifying that he is “not invading Canada or anything of that sort.”
Ford also acknowledged that he has refrained from making daily media appearances on U.S. television since the meeting, aiming to maintain diplomatic progress.
Looking ahead, Ford said discussions between Canadian and U.S. officials will continue, with Ontario’s representative in Washington, David Patterson, recently engaging with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.
Despite efforts to negotiate exemptions, Ford warned that Canada remains prepared to retaliate if necessary.
“We will retaliate dollar for dollar and tariff for tariff,” he stated. “It is going to hurt the Americans, it is going to hurt us, but we can’t roll over. We must stay strong, united, and continue fighting.”
