Canadian leaders defend Ford’s anti-tariff ad despite Trump’s threats of new 10% tariff

Despite strong criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump, Canadian political leaders at all levels are standing by Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s controversial anti-tariff advertisement — and none are calling it a mistake. The ad, which aired across the United States, features a message built around the words of late U.S. president Ronald Reagan, urging Americans to oppose trade tariffs. It has infuriated Trump, who accused the Ontario government of creating a “fake” ad and claimed Canada was attempting to sway a U.S. Supreme Court case on the constitutionality of his tariffs against Canada.

In response, Trump announced over the weekend that he would raise “the tariff on Canada” by 10 per cent, and temporarily halted trade negotiations between the two countries. However, Ford’s allies — and even political figures from opposing parties — defended the ad as bold and effective. Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown told the media that Ford’s message “got attention and coverage,” adding that it takes “courage to call out inconsistencies” in U.S. trade policy.

B.C. Minister of Forests Ravi Parmar also praised the ad, saying it “woke the president up,” while revealing plans for a more modest campaign in British Columbia to protect the province’s forestry sector. Prince Edward Island Premier Rob Lantz echoed support, calling the ad “clever” and crediting Ford with clearly communicating Canadian frustration — even as Ford confirmed he would pull the ad after the weekend. At the federal level, Liberal House Leader Steven MacKinnon also sided with Ford, describing him as “on Team Canada” and calling him “an incredible patriot” for defending national interests during tense trade talks.

The advertisement aired most recently during a World Series broadcast, reaching millions of American viewers before being withdrawn. Ford said its goal was “to start a conversation” about how tariffs affect North American jobs and economies, and that the campaign had “achieved its purpose.”
Now, Canadian officials are trying to reset trade discussions while assessing whether Trump’s tariff threat will be carried out. Former ambassador Frank McKenna suggested Trump’s reaction might be a tactic to stall negotiations that were close to reaching an agreement.

Meanwhile, former Trudeau aide Brian Clow said the withdrawal of the ad gives Prime Minister Mark Carney a diplomatic opening to ease tensions with Trump during their concurrent trip to Malaysia.
As U.S. Democratic Senator Tim Kaine told the media, Trump’s outburst amounted to “super childish behaviour” and “a temper tantrum” that will likely “blow over.” Despite the turmoil, Canada’s broader strategy — deepening trade relationships across Asia to reduce dependence on the United States — continues, even as tensions with Washington reach another boiling point.