Trade tensions between Canada and the United States have taken another turn. President Trump has threatened new tariffs on Canadian dairy and lumber unless Canada lowers its existing tariffs—some of which have been in place for years to protect our industries. Meanwhile, Premier Doug Ford is pushing ahead with a 25% tariff on electricity exports to the U.S., starting Monday, even after Trump paused most tariffs on Canadian goods.
This is a critical moment for Ontario. Our economy is closely tied to the U.S., and disruptions like this can have serious consequences for businesses, workers, and consumers. But we don’t have to sit back and wait for Washington to decide our future. Ontario must take charge—strategically, not recklessly.
What This Means for Ontario
The U.S. is Canada’s largest trading partner, and Ontario is at the center of that relationship. Nearly 80% of Ontario’s exports go to the United States, from automobiles to energy to agricultural products. When trade disputes happen, Ontario is hit first and hardest.
Here’s what we’re facing right now:
- Uncertainty for key industries – Dairy, lumber, and energy exports could all take a hit if tariffs go through. That means lost revenue, potential job cuts, and higher prices for consumers.
- Retaliation risks – While Ford’s electricity tariff sends a strong message, it could also drive up costs for U.S. states that rely on Ontario power—leading to further pushback from Washington.
- Leadership transition at the federal level – Prime Minister Trudeau is stepping down soon, and former Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney is expected to take over. A leadership change in Ottawa could shift Canada’s trade strategy.
- Global concerns – The World Trade Organization (WTO) is calling for diplomacy over retaliation, warning that escalating tariffs could weaken economies on both sides of the border.
Ontario Centrist Party’s Plan: A Firm but Smart Response
The Ontario Centrist Party believes that Ontario must be strong—but also strategic. We need to protect our economy, support our industries, and push back where necessary—without causing damage to our own businesses and consumers.
Here’s how we do that:
1️⃣ Support Ontario First – Every Ontarian can play a role by choosing local products and services. The more we invest in Ontario-made goods, the stronger our economy becomes.
2️⃣ Trade Diversification – Canada has free trade deals with Europe, Asia, and South America. Ontario should expand its exports beyond the U.S. so that we’re never reliant on a single trading partner.
3️⃣ Smart Retaliation, Not Blind Retaliation – Ford’s electricity export tariff is a bold move, but we must ensure our countermeasures don’t backfire on Ontario industries. The Ontario Centrist Party supports targeted tariffs that defend our economy without hurting Ontario businesses and consumers.
4️⃣ Invest in Self-Sufficiency – Ontario has the resources and talent to be more independent in manufacturing, clean energy, and tech innovation. We should focus on building industries that reduce our reliance on U.S. imports and exports.
A Stronger Ontario Starts Now
This is a defining moment. We will not be bullied—but we also won’t make reckless moves that harm our own economy. Ontario’s future must be built on strategic leadership, resilience, and long-term economic independence.
The Ontario Centrist Party will always put Ontario first—not through political grandstanding, but through real, actionable solutions that make our province stronger.
Let’s get to work.
Mansoor Qureshi
Leader, Ontario Centrist Party