Just days following a contentious exchange of words with U.S. President Donald Trump, Ontario Premier Doug Ford has encouraged Ontario board chairs to transition away from American businesses. This move comes in response to a recent survey that shows an increase in approval ratings for Ford and his Progressive Conservatives this month.
In a written directive to the chairpersons, shared on the social media platform X, Ford emphasized the importance of backing local businesses and adhering to the province’s Buy Ontario policies to counter “unjustified tariff increases.” Ford highlighted the impact their support could have on companies facing closure or layoffs due to these tariffs.
Amid the breakdown in U.S.-Canada negotiations this month, approval for Ford’s Progressive Conservatives has seen a resurgence, with the party now holding a four-point lead over the Ontario Liberals among decided and leaning voters, according to a recent survey by Liaison Strategies. The survey, conducted from Aug. 23 to 24, sampled 1,500 Ontarians during the latest tariff developments.
Trade negotiations between the U.S. and Canada deteriorated last week, resulting in the U.S. imposing 50 per cent tariffs on approximately $28 billion worth of Canadian goods. In response, Prime Minister Mark Carney vowed to implement retaliatory tariffs on a dollar-for-dollar basis starting on Sept 8.
Despite a 12-point increase in his approval rating this month, Ford continues to face disapproval from 61 percent of survey participants, as noted by David Valentin, principal at Liaison Strategies. Valentin emphasized that while Ford has seen improvement, the party’s standing surpasses that of the Premier personally.
Survey respondents expressed strong support for retaliatory tariffs, with 83 percent endorsing Canadian tariffs on American goods and 85 percent favoring the exclusion of U.S. alcohol from LCBO stores until a trade agreement is reached.
Ford, acknowledging the need for swift action, urged all levels of government to work together to mitigate tariff impacts without bureaucratic delays. He commended Carney for rejecting a deal with the U.S. this month, citing shifting demands from American officials.
In response to the ongoing trade tensions, Ford expressed readiness to restrict electricity and critical minerals from Ontario to the U.S. if the trade war escalates, highlighting the need to address uncertainty and losses on both sides of the border. Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow supported Ford’s stance, emphasizing the importance of resolving the trade dispute amicably.
As discussions continue, Ford and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith maintain differing views on using energy as leverage in trade negotiations with the U.S. However, they are united in advocating for increased oil flow within Canada, particularly through a proposed pipeline from Alberta to refineries in Sarnia, Ont.