Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced the decision to pause the province’s anti-tariff advertisement campaign in the United States, a move that follows the termination of trade talks by President Donald Trump. The pause will take effect on Monday, after discussions with Prime Minister Mark Carney, but the advertisement will continue to air over the weekend, including during Major League Baseball World Series broadcasts.
The advertisement, funded by the Ontario government, features a quote from former U.S. President Ronald Reagan, stating that tariffs “hurt every American.” This was taken from a 1987 radio address that focused on foreign trade. President Trump criticized the advertisement in a post on Truth Social, labeling it “FAKE” and “egregious,” and declaring that trade talks were “HEREBY TERMINATED.”
The Ronald Reagan Foundation, which preserves Reagan’s legacy, contended that the advertisement used selective audio and video and accused the Ontario government of misrepresenting his remarks without permission. In response, Ford stated that the purpose of the ad was to spark a discussion regarding the economic direction desired by Americans and the implications of tariffs.
Ford emphasized that the campaign had successfully reached significant U.S. audiences, achieving its goal. He shared the full text of the 1987 address, highlighting that Reagan believed in the strength of the U.S.-Canada relationship.
Currently, the U.S. has implemented a 35% tariff on all Canadian goods, with most items exempt under an existing free trade agreement. Specific sectors, such as metals and automobiles, face additional levies of 50% and 25% respectively, significantly impacting Ontario’s manufacturing industry. Since taking office earlier this year, Prime Minister Carney has sought to negotiate a resolution to these tariffs, given that a substantial portion of Canadian exports are directed to the U.S.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/czr18g3j4j7o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss