Ontario to stop running anti-tariff advert that angered Trump

October 24, 2025

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has announced a pause on his province's anti-tariff advertisement campaign in the US following President Trump's decision to terminate trade talks. The controversial advertisement quoted former US President Ronald Reagan speaking against tariffs, which prompted criticism from the Reagan Foundation for misrepresenting Reagan's address without permission. Ford stated the campaign achieved its goal of initiating conversation about tariffs' impact, though its combative approach has sparked debate in Canada about negotiation tactics with its largest trading partner.

Who is affected

Canadian exporters, particularly those in Ontario's automobile manufacturing industry
Ontario consumers and businesses impacted by tariffs
Stellantis employees at the Brampton, Ontario plant, where some production is moving to the US
Canadian economy broadly, which is vulnerable due to 75% of exports going to the US
US consumers who would face higher prices on Canadian goods

What action is being taken

Ontario Premier Doug Ford is pausing the anti-tariff advertisement campaign starting Monday (while allowing it to run through the weekend)
Prime Minister Mark Carney is attempting to negotiate a deal to ease tariffs through diplomatic channels
The White House is expressing frustration with "Canada's longstanding, unfair trade barriers"
Prime Minister Carney is heading to Asia for the ASEAN Summit to develop "new partnerships and opportunities"
Canada is preparing to unveil its first budget on November 4

Why it matters

Canada remains the only G7 country without a trade deal with the US since Trump began introducing tariffs
The US has imposed a 35% general levy on Canadian goods (though most are exempt under existing agreements) plus sector-specific tariffs including 50% on metals and 25% on automobiles
Three-quarters of Canadian exports are sold to the US, making Canada's economy particularly vulnerable to US trade policies
The different approaches by Ford (confrontational) and Carney (diplomatic) represent competing strategies for addressing trade tensions
The situation highlights what Carney called Canada's vulnerability due to its close economic ties to a single foreign partner

What's next

Trade talks may potentially resume after Ford's advertisement campaign ends on Monday
Prime Minister Carney will attend the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur to develop new partnerships in Asia
The Canadian government will unveil its first budget on November 4
Carney has indicated Canada will be working to diversify its trade relationships beyond the US
The White House will decide whether to re-engage in trade talks with Canada

Read full article from source: BBC