PC Chief Doug Ford was captured on video after a information convention Monday saying he was pleased that President Donald Trump had gained the newest U.S. election — that’s till Trump responded with tariff threats that would trigger huge hurt to Ontario’s financial system.
“Election day, was I happy this guy won? One hundred per cent I was,” Ford mentioned. “But then the guy pulled out the knife and f–king yanked it into us.”
Trump didn’t threaten Canada with 25 per cent tariffs till weeks after his election win — although he was outspoken about his intention to make use of tariffs as a part of his financial coverage.
After talking to reporters on Monday, PC Occasion Chief Doug Ford mentioned he was initially “happy” Donald Trump gained the U.S. election till he threatened Canada with hefty tariffs.
When requested concerning the feedback Monday, a PC Occasion spokesperson referred to a press release Ford had made moments earlier than on the identical information convention, the place he mentioned he’s “absolutely not” a Trump supporter any longer.
“It’s just so disappointing. I’m sure there’s millions of Canadians that thought ‘OK, this might be a good change down in the U.S.’ — [but] it’s been a disaster,” Ford mentioned. “I’d by no means assist that man in my whole life.
“He goes up and just stabs you right in the heart. Forget that. We’re supposed to be his closest allies, his closest friend. It’s terrible.”
Ford’s views on Trump have shifted by way of the years. In 2016, earlier than he turned Ontario’s premier, he instructed an interviewer that if he have been American, he completely would have voted for him.
Then in 2019, whereas on a visit to the U.S., he described himself as an enormous Republican and a supporter of Trump, but in addition raised considerations about U.S. protectionism.
After information broke late Monday afternoon that potential U.S. tariffs can be paused for 30 days for additional negotiations, Ford mentioned he would maintain off on implementing retaliatory measures in Ontario.
“We have some good news today. We have temporarily averted tariffs that would have severely damaged our economy, giving time for more negotiation and time for cooler heads to prevail,” he mentioned in a press release.
“With the U.S. pausing tariffs, Ontario will also pause our retaliatory measures. If President Trump proceeds with tariffs, we won’t hesitate to remove American products off LCBO shelves or ban American companies from provincial procurement,” he continued.
Ford’s workplace additionally clarified the $100-million take care of Elon Musk’s Starlink signed late final 12 months would once more go ahead for now.
He then reiterated that Canada and the U.S. ought to keep centered on “the real trade war we’re fighting, with China.”
