Will Ontario Premier Pause Ronald Reagan Ad Campaign on US Tariffs?
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Synopsis
Ontario Premier Doug Ford has decided to pause an ad campaign criticizing US tariffs to facilitate trade negotiations. The ads, featuring Ronald Reagan's speech against tariffs, drew ire from President Trump, resulting in halted discussions. Will this move aid in restoring trade relations between Canada and the US? Explore the implications and the latest developments.
Key Takeaways
- Ontario Premier Doug Ford pauses ad campaign against US tariffs.
- Advertisements aimed to highlight the negative impacts of tariffs on American workers.
- President Trump condemned the ads, leading to a halt in trade discussions.
- Canada remains the only G7 country without a trade deal since Trump's tariffs.
- Prime Minister Mark Carney expresses readiness for renewed talks.
Ottawa, Oct 25 (NationPress) Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced that the ad campaign criticizing US tariffs will be on hold starting Monday, allowing for trade discussions to resume between the nations.
The ads, which were launched last week by the Ontario provincial government, were being aired in the United States.
On Friday, US President Donald Trump declared the end of trade negotiations with Canada in response.
"Our aim has always been to spark a dialogue around the economy that Americans desire and the effects of tariffs on their workforce and businesses," Ford stated on Friday via X.
"We have reached our objective, connecting with US audiences at the highest levels. I have instructed my team to ensure our message remains visible to Americans over the weekend, aiming to broadcast our ad during the initial two games of the World Series.
Ford explained that he decided to halt the ads after discussions with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.
The ads featured audio from a speech by former US President Ronald Reagan, where he criticized tariffs for damaging "every American worker and consumer" and instigating severe trade wars.
The Ronald Reagan Foundation later claimed the ads "misrepresent" his speech, asserting that the Ontario government did not obtain permission to use the audio.
Carney informed reporters earlier on Friday that Canada is ready to resume trade discussions with the US "when the Americans are prepared".
Trump condemned the advertisement late Thursday night on Truth Social, labeling it as "FAKE" and "egregious".
He announced that trade discussions were "HEREBY TERMINATED".
Canada remains the only G7 nation without a trade agreement with Trump since he implemented extensive tariffs.
The US has imposed a 35 percent tariff on all Canadian goods, although most are exempt due to an existing free trade agreement.
Additionally, the US has applied sector-specific tariffs on Canadian products, including a 50 percent tariff on metals and a 25 percent tariff on automobiles.
These sector-specific tariffs have significantly impacted Ontario, which hosts most of Canada's auto manufacturing industry.
It remains uncertain if trade discussions will actually resume now that Ford has paused the advertising campaign, and President Trump has yet to respond to this decision.
On Friday, the White House expressed frustration over what it termed "Canada's longstanding, unfair trade barriers," adding that attempts to resolve these issues "have not resulted in any constructive progress".
Carney has made some concessions to facilitate ongoing discussions, including lifting retaliatory tariffs and abolishing Canada's digital services tax. However, he has consistently stated his pursuit of "the best deal for Canada".
Both Trump and Carney are heading to Asia on Friday for the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur.
The Canadian Prime Minister disclosed that his trip's focus will be on "establishing new partnerships and opportunities, particularly with the economic powerhouses of Asia".
Point of View
The pause in the ad campaign signifies a strategic move by Ontario's leadership to recalibrate trade relations with the US. It reflects the complex dynamics of international trade where public sentiment and political maneuvering can significantly influence negotiations. The actions taken will undoubtedly shape the future of Canada-US trade relations.
NationPress
25/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Ontario pausing the ad campaign against US tariffs?
Ontario is pausing the ad campaign to allow for the resumption of trade talks between Canada and the US.
What was the content of the advertisements?
The ads featured audio from Ronald Reagan criticizing tariffs for harming American workers and consumers.
What was President Trump's reaction to the ads?
President Trump condemned the ads as 'FAKE' and announced that trade talks with Canada were 'HEREBY TERMINATED'.
What are the current tariffs imposed by the US on Canadian goods?
The US has a 35 percent general tariff on Canadian goods, with additional sector-specific tariffs like 50 percent on metals and 25 percent on automobiles.
What is the next step for trade discussions between Canada and the US?
Canada is ready to resume trade talks when the US is prepared, as stated by Prime Minister Mark Carney.
