Doug Ford, the Premier of Ontario since 2018, has established himself as a formidable political figure both within Canada and on the international stage. With a historic achievement of being only the second Premier in Ontario's history to secure three consecutive majority government wins, Ford's leadership continues to make headlines. As the chair of the Council of the Federation, which brings together all of Canada's provincial and territorial premiers, Ford wields significant influence. Recently, he has taken a bold stance against former US President Donald Trump's tariff threats, showcasing his readiness to defend Ontario's interests.
One of Ford's notable strategies involves leveraging Ontario's energy exports to the United States as a bargaining tool, a move aimed at compelling Trump to retract his tariff threats. This approach underscores Ford's assertiveness in dealing with international trade issues, particularly those impacting Ontario's vital auto manufacturing sector. Home to 16 million residents, Ontario stands as Canada's largest province and boasts a deeply intertwined auto industry with the US. Consequently, any broad tariff threats pose a significant risk to this sector.
In his bid to safeguard Ontario's economic interests, Ford has not shied away from making decisive and controversial decisions. He has terminated a multi-million dollar contract with Elon Musk's Starlink, further emphasizing his willingness to take bold actions when necessary. Additionally, Ford's confrontational stance has led him to clash with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, who has advocated for a more measured response to Trump's tariffs.
Ford's direct engagement with his constituents is another hallmark of his leadership style. Known for handing out his personal cell phone number, he encourages Ontarians to reach out to him directly. Recently, he urged patience as he worked through responding to over 4,000 text messages received from concerned individuals.
"Believe me when I say I don't want to do this" – Doug Ford
Despite the challenges posed by Trump's tariffs, Ford remains resolute in his commitment to stand up against what he perceives as unfair trade practices. His unyielding stance has garnered attention not only within Canada but also across the border. Ford has become a familiar face on major US networks, where he addresses Americans directly about the implications of tariffs on trade relations.
Ford's approach has earned him both praise and criticism. Shakir Chambers, a political strategist, remarked on Ford's tactics:
"That's how you deal with Trump, through a position of strength" – Shakir Chambers
Even Trump himself has acknowledged Ford’s firm stance, describing him as a "very strong man," which signifies a grudging nod of respect from the former US president.