The Premier of Ontario and leader of the Progressive Conservative Party, Doug Ford and the incoming Prime Minister of Canada Mark Carney has agreed not to be moved by the threat of Donald Trump’s tariff imposition on the country.

Ford revealed this in a statement on a post on X on Wednesday stating the country will respond to U.S. implementation of universal steel and aluminum tariffs, with a retaliatory one while affirming that the new administration won’t relent until all the threat disappear.

Ontario Premier Post’s read in part: “I met with Mark Carney, Canada’s incoming prime minister for a positive and productive discussion. We agreed on the need to stand firm and strong in the face of President Trump’s threats, including additional retaliatory tariffs in response to U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum, which will raise costs for American businesses and families.”

The country kept to it words when it later in the day announced new retaliatorytrade duties on some $21 billion worth of U.S. goods.

Ford had continued: “Team Canada has risen to the challenge and proven that no one should ever underestimate the strength and resilience of the Canadian people. Together, we will get through this more united than ever before.

“Canada won’t relent until the threat of tariffs is gone for good. I look forward to sitting down with U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and members of the Trump administration’s economic team tomorrow.

“Facing the cost of Ontario’s 25 per cent surcharge on electricity exports, Secretary Lutnick extended an olive branch to start a conversation about the future of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement.

“Over the coming weeks and months, I’m going to work with Secretary Lutnick, our federal partners and every premier in good faith toward a free trade deal that’s fair for both countries.” He added.

In a news conference Wednesday announcing the retaliatory duties, a Canadian government spokesman called Trump’s tariffs “completely unjustified, unfair and unreasonable.

“The U.S. administration is once again inserting disruption and disorder into an incredibly successful trading partnership and raising the costs of everyday goods for Canadians and American households alike,” said François-Philippe Champagne, Canada’s minister of innovation, science and industry.

Trump had threatened Canada with steel and aluminum tariffs climbing to 50% if the province of Ontario followed through on the surcharge.

Photo credit: X|@fordnation

By: Adeoye Olorunseun Elizabeth