Ontario Premier Doug Ford on Tariffs, USMCA, and Border Security

Tariffs and Trade Relations

• 🇨🇦 Premier Doug Ford emphasizes that the current trade chaos must stop and calls for the removal of all tariffs.
• 💡 He believes that until President Trump removes tariffs 100%, discussions on a new USMCA deal should be on hold.
• 📉 Ford warns that ongoing tariffs are hurting markets, consumer confidence, and could lead to plant closures in the US.
• 🇺🇸 He asserts that China is the problem, not Canada, and advocates for mutual support between the two nations.

Electricity Supply and Retaliation

• ⚡ Ford states that while he wants to send more electricity to the US, cutting off the supply is a potential tool if Canada continues to be harmed.
• 😔 He expresses regret for any negative impact on American families and places blame on President Trump for the situation.
• 📉 The Premier warns that a recession could be called the "Trump recession" if the current trade disputes continue.

USMCA and Negotiation Strategy

• 🤝 Ford hopes for a productive discussion with Secretary Letnik to resolve differences and move forward.
• 🚫 He advises against a tit-for-tat approach and stresses the need for direct negotiation.
• 🏭 The issue of steel and aluminum transshipments from China is identified as a problem, with concerns about US aluminum production capacity.

Border Security and Fentanyl

• 👮 Ford confirms that Canada has taken significant measures to tighten border security, including deploying troops and surveillance.
• 💊 He notes a drastic reduction in fentanyl being seized, with large busts of cocaine, opioids, and illegal guns also occurring.
• 🤝 Collaboration with US agencies like the DEA and border patrol is ongoing to address illegal crossings and drug trafficking.