Ford Wants Premiers, Carney to Be ‘More Vocal’ Against Trump

Ontario Premier Doug Ford urged his fellow leaders and Prime Minister Mark Carney to be more vocal in their criticism of US President Donald Trump’s latest tariff threat during a series of interviews this week. The issue at hand is a 50% hike in duties on dozens of Canadian goods, set to take effect next month.

Ford feels like he’s shouldering the burden alone, trying to rally his fellow premiers and Carney to join him in a united front against Trump’s protectionist policies. However, this problem goes deeper than Ford’s ego or desire for a more assertive Canadian response. For years, Canada has struggled to find its voice on the global stage, often getting lost in the shuffle as other countries take center stage.

Some premiers have expressed support for Ford’s stance, such as New Brunswick’s Susan Holt, who suggested that energy exports could be used as leverage against Trump. However, others were more lukewarm in their response. Alberta’s Danielle Smith and Saskatchewan’s Scott Moe stated bluntly that withholding energy exports is not on the table.

Quebec’s Christine Fréchette was non-committal, saying she wasn’t ready to take a stance. Meanwhile, Carney has been trying to negotiate with Trump, but it remains unclear what concrete steps he plans to take or whether they will be enough to satisfy Ford’s demands.

The stakes are high: Ontario would be one of the hardest-hit provinces if the tariffs go through, and Canada as a whole could suffer significant economic losses. So why can’t Carney lead the charge? Why can’t Team Canada present a united front against Trump?

Canada’s diplomatic passivity has been a hallmark of its foreign policy for decades. Ottawa has relied on quiet diplomacy to resolve trade disputes, often with mixed results. However, times have changed, and emerging economies like China and India are increasingly making their voices heard.

Ford is right that Canada needs a stronger voice on the world stage. But it’s not just about being more vocal – it’s about having a clear strategy that takes into account the complexities of global trade and the shifting balance of power.

The upcoming meeting between Carney and the premiers will be a crucial test of Team Canada’s mettle. Will they finally find their voice? Or will Ford continue to stand alone, his calls for action falling on deaf ears?

If Canada can’t muster up the courage to defend its interests, no one else will do it for us. The clock is ticking: the new tariffs come into effect on August 19th. What will Team Canada do then?