Premier Doug Ford Backs Federal Stance Vowing Dollar-for-Dollar Counter-Tariffs Against U.S. Duties

TORONTO, ON — Ontario Premier Doug Ford declared full provincial support for Prime Minister Mark Carney's decision to walk away from Washington trade talks and enact reciprocal retaliatory tariffs on American imports.

Protecting Industrial Supply Chains and Critical Minerals

Premier Ford emphasized that Ontario’s automotive manufacturing and steel manufacturing sectors cannot accept U.S. trade restrictions that undermine Canadian economic sovereignty. He confirmed that Ontario is collaborating with federal trade officials to finalize a $20 billion retaliatory tariff list targeting American steel, dairy products, appliances, and electronics scheduled for September 8, 2026.

Premier Ford stressed that Canada must respond firmly to cross-border duties, highlighting Canada's critical mineral and clean energy supplies as strategic leverage in international negotiations.

Industrial Coalitions and Trade Impact

The Canadian Steelworkers and Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association backed the coordinated federal-provincial posture.

Federal and provincial trade ministers will convene an emergency Council of the Federation trade summit in Ottawa.

Implementation Timeline

Reciprocal Canadian counter-tariffs will officially take effect on September 8, 2026, unless bilateral negotiations resume.