Ontario premier wants to see 'Buy Can-Am' approach with next U.S. president
Ontario Premier Doug Ford said he would like to see Canada and the U.S. work together to sell goods and services to the world and to each other, instead of focusing on domestic-only policies.
Speaking to the Economic Club of Canada in Ottawa Tuesday, Ford briefly addressed the U.S. presidential election.
"It's not an overstatement to say that this election and the upcoming review of the Canada United States Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) is more consequential than anything else on the horizon to our economy," he said.
The CUSMA — a replacement for the previous North American Free-Trade Agreement (NAFTA) — was negotiated during former U.S. President Donald Trump's first term and is up for review in 2026. Trump has vowed to revisit it if elected. Vice-President Kamala Harris has also signalled she would reopen the agreement. She voted against the deal when she was a senator.
Ford said Canada and the U.S. share a unique relationship.
"Nine million Americans wake up every morning to go to work, to produce goods and services for Ontario. So that's a real solid statement when we go down there. I've been talking to the many governors weekly, and the congressmen and women, and the senators, just to make sure they understand it's the Can-Am approach. We need to work together," he said.
"'Buy America' – they're experts at it and congratulations to 'em. I'm just as guilty, I'm always 'Buy Ontario', 'Buy Canada', but we really have to take a different approach. As everyone here knows, there's no partnership more important to the economic success of Ontario, to the economic success of Canada than our close ties with the United States."
Ford said he will "work with anyone" and says he stands ready to work with whomever is elected in the U.S.
"Our government stands ready to work with our partners south of the border. Above all, we must encourage all politicians on both sides of the border, of whatever political stripe, to avoid falling into what I just said, the 'Buy Canada', 'Buy America' mindset. Instead, we should be promoting a 'Buy Can-Am' approach that creates new jobs and opportunities for workers and businesses on both sides of the border."
Ontario's total trade with the U.S. in 2023 was valued at around $500 billion (CAD), according to the provincial government.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Alberta RCMP officer charged with 2 counts of sexual assault
Const. Bridget Morla, a Leduc RCMP officer, has been charged with two counts of sexual assault in connection with an incident that happened two years ago.
Ontario dad removes hockey rink at heart of neighbour dispute
A Markham dad who drew the ire of neighbours and the city after installing a hockey rink in his backyard says the rink has now been taken down.
Motivated by obsession: Canadians accused in botched California murder plot in police custody
Two Canadians are in police custody in Monterey County, California, after a triple stabbing police say was motivated by a B.C. man's obsession with a woman he played video games with online.
Kingston, Ont. doctor in 'disbelief' after being ordered to repay $600K for pandemic vaccination payments
An Ontario health tribunal has ordered a Kingston, Ont. doctor to repay over $600,000 to the Ontario government for improperly billing thousands of COVID-19 vaccinations at the height of the pandemic.
Trump demands immediate release of Oct. 7 hostages, says otherwise there will be 'HELL TO PAY'
President-elect Donald Trump is demanding the immediate release of the Israeli hostages still being held in Gaza, saying that if they are not freed before he is sworn into office there will be “HELL TO PAY."
Alleged gang member driving from U.S. arrested at Canadian border after making wrong turn
An alleged gang member coming from the United States was arrested at the Canadian border after reportedly making a wrong turn onto the Peace Bridge border crossing.
AC/DC announces North American stadium tour, Vancouver lone Canadian stop
Big news for AC/DC fans as the heavy metal bigwigs announced Monday they will hit the road next spring. But as of now, there’s only one Canadian show on the docket.
Nova Scotia lawyer suspended following ugly courtroom fracas
A Nova Scotia lawyer who had to be restrained by deputy sheriffs during a court appearance earlier this year has lost his appeal of a suspension following the bizarre incident.
Negotiations between Canada Post, union still on hold
Canada Post says it's waiting for a response from the union representing some 55,000 striking workers after it offered a new framework for negotiations over the weekend.