Trade conflict between allies only creates uncertainty and that uncertainty benefits our competitors, not our workers
By Doug Ford, Special to Financial Post
This week, I will be heading down to Washington, D.C., to meet with American officials and launch our plan to build Fortress North America — a renewed partnership between Canada, the United States and Mexico anchored in the strength of the Canada-U.S. relationship and reinforced by our trilateral partnership with Mexico.
In every conversation I have with American politicians and business leaders, I make one thing clear: tariffs and uncertainty hurt workers, businesses and families in both our countries.
I have also been clear about something else. I love the United States. I respect the American entrepreneurial spirit. I believe deeply in what we can achieve together.
Ontario and Canada will always do what is necessary to stand up for and protect our workers and businesses. The best outcome for workers and businesses on both sides is ending uncertainty and working together to support jobs and economic growth.
As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, this is a defining moment for our partnership. It is time to come together on a fair trade agreement that will create more jobs, lower costs and strengthen our economic and continental security in the face of growing global competition, especially from China.
Ontario is the economic engine of Canada and a critical partner to the United States. We are America’s closest ally and the largest customer for more than half of U.S. states. We supply the essentials that Americans rely on every day, including critical minerals and rare earths, electricity, uranium, manufacturing inputs, food and health products that support U.S. families, factories and defence industries.
Put simply, we build things together.
Ontario supports millions of American jobs and plays a vital role in the strength and security of our shared economy. There is nowhere else in the world where two economies are so deeply integrated. At the same time, this integration is amplified through North America’s trilateral trade framework, where strong Canada-U.S. ties help drive broader continental growth.
We have seen a constructive shift in Mexico’s approach to trade, including increased attention to issues such as transshipment and broader trade enforcement. We look forward to working alongside Mexico to build on this momentum and strengthen cooperation — because when our trade systems work as intended, it enhances the integrity and competitiveness of all North America.
That is why it is in all our shared interests to move forward together under a renewed Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). A strengthened CUSMA will support shared prosperity and unlock the full potential of Fortress North America.
It will mean a jobs boom. With the right agreement in place, we can unlock billions in new investment across North American auto, steel, manufacturing, agriculture, energy and critical mineral supply chains.
It will lower the cost of living. By reducing tariffs and strengthening our integrated supply chains, we can lower costs for businesses and pass those savings on to consumers.
And it will strengthen continental security, because economic security is national security. By working together, we can build secure and resilient supply chains for critical minerals, nuclear energy, defence production and advanced technologies. We can protect our economies, our borders and our shared future from global threats.
At the same time, a stronger North American partnership will help limit the flow of unfair imports that distort markets and undermine our workers and industries. Deepening our alliance is essential to protecting our economic strength, our democratic values and our long‑term competitiveness.
Trade conflict between allies only creates uncertainty and that uncertainty benefits our competitors, not our workers. We must stay focused on unity, fairness and building together.
Ontario is ready to do its part. From critical minerals and nuclear energy to advanced manufacturing and artificial intelligence, we are uniquely positioned to help power the next generation of North American growth and security.
Together, let’s build Fortress North America.
Doug Ford is the Premier of Ontario.
Originally Published in the Financial Post on June 8, 2026: https://financialpost.com/news/economy/doug-ford-unlock-full-potential-fortress-north-america