Harris or Trump: Ford will work with U.S. ‘no matter’ election outcome

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has stated that his government will cooperate with the next U.S. president, whether it’s Donald Trump or Kamala Harris. Ford emphasized Ontario’s strong economic ties with the United States and multiple states, both close and distant.

"The upcoming U.S. presidential and congressional elections will greatly impact our province’s future. Regardless of political affiliation, we’ve upheld a solid economic partnership, fostering growth, trade, jobs, and investment on both sides of the border," he said in a Facebook video posted Monday. "No matter who wins, we’re committed to working together. Ontario jobs depend on it, and we’ll keep fighting for Ontario workers."

Ford also suggested a "Buy Can-Am" mindset to maintain cross-border economic ties, cautioning against "Buy Canada" or "Buy America" approaches that might risk the trading relationship. The Ford administration has focused on building personal connections with U.S. governors and has campaigned extensively to sustain these ties regardless of the election result.

In the past, Ford experienced the effects of protectionism during the COVID-19 pandemic, notably when he urged then-President Joe Biden for more Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines amid a shortage in Canada. When the U.S. announced plans to send Canada 1.5 million vaccine doses in March 2021, Ford expressed gratitude, saying, "Thank God. I’ve been bugging Trump, I’ve been bugging Biden — all of them."

Ford’s prior interactions with Trump have not always been positive; in August 2020, he criticized Trump for imposing a 10% tariff on Canadian aluminum, calling the move “totally unacceptable.”

During this campaign, Ford has also shared opinions about candidates. On August 7, he praised Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz joining Harris' presidential ticket, noting that he and Walz had a constructive meeting at Queen’s Park two months before Walz was selected. Ford previously commented on U.S. President Joe Biden’s decision to step aside, expressing relief and sympathy following Biden’s struggles in a debate against Trump.

A Trump victory would make him the first president to return to office after a felony conviction, while also being the second president in U.S. history to serve non-consecutive terms. Harris, meanwhile, could make history as the first woman, Black woman, and person of South Asian descent to serve as U.S. president, building on her historic role as Vice President.