Ontario Premier Doug Ford traveled to Michigan on Saturday to deliver a commencement address at Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU). During the ceremony in University Center, Ford highlighted the deep connections between Canada and the United States while warning against the dangers of tariffs.
A Warning Against Protectionism
Speaking to hundreds of graduating students, Ford described the relationship between the two neighboring countries as having been shaken and undermined
over the past year and a half. He specifically pointed to trade wars and tariffs as factors that have tested the partnership, particularly within the auto manufacturing industry.
To illustrate the risks of trade barriers, Ford quoted former U.S. President Ronald Reagan, stating that when countries impose tariffs, markets shrink and collapse, businesses and industries shut down and millions of people lose their jobs.
Ford argued that protectionism has never worked historically and will not work now. He emphasized that the two economies are too closely linked to be separated, noting, We can’t unscramble that egg. We can only make the omelet larger.
Diplomatic Tensions and Trade Talks
The address follows a period of significant friction. The province of Ontario previously spent $75 million on an anti-tariff advertising campaign in the U.S. Featuring Ronald Reagan.
That campaign angered President Donald Trump, which led to a halt in trade talks between the two nations. However, talks resumed last month following a meeting in Washington, D.C., between Canada-U.S. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.
Personal Ties and Political Controversy
Ford, who received an honorary doctorate of humane letters during the event, addressed his presence in Michigan by noting his personal history. He spent 20 years establishing his family’s printing business in Chicago.
He similarly credited his brother, Rob, for his entry into politics, citing Rob’s practice of answering constituent calls day and night as a model for the openness that has contributed to his own political success.
This emphasis on accessibility comes as Ford faces criticism at home. Ontario recently passed an omnibus budget bill containing a retroactive FOI law. Ford admitted this law would shield him and his cabinet from public access to documents, partly to block a Global News request for his cellphone records.
Future Outlook
Given the current climate, future trade stability may depend on the continued momentum of the talks resumed last month. A possible next step could involve further diplomatic efforts to repair the relationship that Ford described as undermined.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Doug Ford deliver a speech at a U.S. University?
Ford noted that he has spent years living and working in the United States, including 20 years establishing his family’s printing business in Chicago.
What caused the initial halt in trade talks between Canada and the U.S.?
President Donald Trump halted trade talks after the province of Ontario spent $75 million on an anti-tariff ad campaign in the U.S.
What is the controversy regarding the new FOI law in Ontario?
The retroactive FOI law included in an omnibus budget bill shields Premier Ford and his cabinet from public access to documents; Ford stated this was partly to stop a request from Global News for his cellphone records.
Do you believe personal diplomacy can overcome systemic trade disputes between neighboring countries?
