Ontario Premier Doug Ford and members of his cabinet will be holding a news conference in Hamilton Monday after Canada-U.S. trade talks failed, with the premier saying Trump can “kiss my ass” as the fallout from the trade war continues.
Fifty per cent U.S. tariffs on about $28-billion worth of Canadians goods came into effect early Saturday. Prime Minister Mark Carney said retaliatory, dollar-for-dollar tariffs will hit the U.S. Sept. 8.
Trump further escalated the trade war in a post to Truth Social Monday, slamming Canada for “ripping off the United States” and announcing that starting Jan. 1, 2027, the U.S. will increase tariffs on Canadian automobiles, car parts and steel to 50 per cent.
Currently, the levy on Canadian steel is already 50 per cent, while the levy on car parts and automobiles is 25, according to the Canadian government’s website.
In response to Trump’s latest tariff threats, Ford told Toronto radio station Newstalk 1010 the U.S. president can “kiss my ass.”
“We need to throw everything in the kitchen sink at them. He’s arrogant. He’s cocky,” he said in the interview.
Ford and other premiers have largely backed Carney’s decision to reject the trade deal.
The premier will be joined by Economic Development Minister Vic Fedeli and Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy. They are expected to share their remarks at 1:30 p.m. ET, according to an advisory from the premier’s office.
Premier Ford says suspended trade talks avoided a ‘bad deal’ for steel, auto sectors
Daniel Tisch, CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, said tariff retaliation from Canada has to be “surgical,” such as targeting American products that have a clear Canadian alternative readily available.
“The reality is the Canadian government negotiated with a good faith that was not returned,” Tisch told CBC Radio’s Metro Morning Monday.
“We’re dealing with somebody in the White House who doesn’t believe in win-win outcomes. But at the same time, that’s the foundation, as we know, of every business relationship,” he said.
Trump threatens new 50% tariffs on Canadian cars, trucks and steel
Despite the failed trade deal, Tisch said he is optimistic Canada will “get through this dark time,” noting that Canada, including Ontario, has led the U.S. in job growth and unlike some dire predictions, the country’s economy didn’t enter a recession.
“I still like our odds and I still believe that with the right collaboration between business and government we can actually make a positive difference.”
Carney says trade deal became untenable when U.S. ‘asked too much and offered too little’
