Doug Ford says Ontario ready for result of U.S. election

As Americans head to the polls, Ontario's government is focused on maintaining a strong relationship with its largest trading partner, though the outcome of the U.S. presidential election could impact Ontario’s trade landscape.

The presidential race between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump may affect Ontario’s trade costs significantly. Trump has proposed a 10 percent tariff on all U.S. imports, while experts believe Harris would likely keep current free trade policies, supporting open borders.

Premier Doug Ford stated Monday that Ontario is prepared to work with either administration that takes office in January. "As Americans prepare to vote in this week’s elections, it's more important than ever to preserve and build on our longstanding ties of friendship, trade, and co-operation that unite Canada and the United States," Ford said.

Ontario, one of the U.S.'s major trading partners, reported approximately $493 billion in trade with the U.S. in 2023, as detailed in Ontario’s fall economic statement. The province has strengthened trade ties with states such as Indiana, Michigan, Nevada, and Illinois, and recently signed an agreement with the District of Columbia.

Ford also urged alignment with U.S. trade policy and commended Ottawa’s approach to mirroring American tariffs on certain Chinese imports. "Above all, we must avoid a 'Buy Canada' or 'Buy America' mindset… instead adopt a 'Buy Can-Am' mindset that creates new jobs and opportunities for workers and businesses on both sides of the border," Ford said.

While Ford has remained neutral during the U.S. campaign, Ontario opposition parties have been more vocal. The Ontario Liberal Party criticized Ford's past support for Trump, calling him and Trump “two sides of the same coin.” MLA John Fraser expressed hope for a Harris presidency, saying, "We're all concerned about protectionism."

Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles shared her concerns about a Trump victory. "I'm worried for Canada because I think it will have a significant impact on trade," she said.

The Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) is set for review in 2026, and Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland assured that Canada is well-prepared for any election outcome, highlighting the strong ties between Canada and both U.S. parties.

Ford has recently embraced a “Buy North America” approach, emphasizing that “we need each other.” Ontario’s economic development minister, Vic Fedeli, indicated that Ontario plans to launch a marketing campaign in January to highlight the importance of the trade relationship with the U.S. to the new administration. However, he warned that Ontario would respond if new tariffs were imposed.

Stephen Lund, CEO of Toronto Global, highlighted that retaliatory tariffs would also hurt Ontario businesses. He emphasized the need to remind Americans of the mutual benefits of the trade relationship, noting that tariffs are ultimately a “dead-end game.”