Title: Ontario Premier Calls for Tougher Stance in U.S. Trade Talks

OTTAWA — Ontario Premier Doug Ford is urging Canada to adopt a tougher approach in its trade negotiations with the United States. His comments come as two of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s top trade negotiators returned to Washington, D.C., to continue discussions aimed at reducing or eliminating U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods.

Ford stated that if a trade deal is not reached soon with U.S. President Donald Trump, Canada should consider retaliatory measures. "Let’s start hitting him back," Ford said during a health-related announcement in Kenora, Ontario. He plans to meet with Carney on Thursday to discuss the ongoing negotiations.

Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc and Michael Sabia, the Clerk of the Privy Council, are currently leading the talks in Washington. Ford expressed frustration with the U.S. tariffs, particularly a recent 10 percent increase on softwood lumber. "I am sick and tired of sitting and rolling over. We need to fight back," he said.

Carney's recent meeting with Trump at the White House did not result in a deal, but Canadian officials reported some progress on issues related to steel, aluminum, and energy. Following the meeting, the Prime Minister’s Office indicated that both leaders had instructed their teams to finalize negotiations in the coming weeks.

A spokesperson for LeBlanc confirmed that he is in Washington this week for further discussions with senior U.S. officials. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent commented on the negotiations during CNBC’s "Invest in America Forum," stating, "The president had a very good meeting with Prime Minister Carney recently. So, I think U.S.-Canada’s back on track."

Currently, Canada faces 50 percent tariffs on steel and aluminum imposed by Trump under Section 232 of the U.S. Trade Expansion Act. Additionally, copper and auto parts that do not comply with the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Free Trade Agreement are also subject to U.S. tariffs. Carney has defended Canada’s position, noting that goods covered by the agreement are exempt from these tariffs, which affect approximately 85 percent of products.

Pressure is mounting on the Canadian government to provide specific sector relief. British Columbia Premier David Eby has called for increased support for those affected by the higher U.S. tariffs on softwood lumber and related products. Concerns have also been raised following Stellantis's announcement to move production of the Jeep Compass from Brampton, Ontario, to the U.S., which Carney described as "a direct consequence of current U.S. tariffs and potential U.S. trade actions."

Further developments in the trade negotiations are expected as both sides continue to seek a resolution.