Trade friction has come to the forefront between Canada and the United States again after the Ontario government aired a new anti-tariff ad featuring former president Ronald Reagan.
The ad features bits and pieces of a 1987 speech from Reagan, where he says he imposed tariffs on Japan for a good reason, but they are dangerous for the economy.
“Throughout the world, there is a growing realization that the way to prosperity for all nations is rejecting protectionist legislation and promoting fair and free competition,” Reagan said in the 1978 speech.
In a fury, President Donald Trump ceased negotiations between our countries, claiming Canada ‘cheated’.
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Prime Minister Mark Carney responded to the president’s comments on the tarmac en route to Asia, Friday morning.
“Look, for months we have stressed the importance of distinguishing things we can control and things we can’t control. The trade policy of the United States,” said Carney.
He stressed that Canada would continue negotiations when the U.S. is ready.
“What we can control absolutely is how we build here at home and that’s the focus of Budget 2025 generational investment here in Canada,” added Carney.
Ford not backing down
Despite the backlash, Ontario Premier Doug Ford is not backing down from airing the ad.
In a response to Trump’s outrage, he made a post on X, Friday morning.
“Canada and the U.S. are friends, neighbours and allies. President Ronald Reagan knew that we are stronger together.”
Premier Doug Ford said he thinks it will be very effective for Americans who supported Reagan.
However, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute said the government used “selective audio and video” from the speech without permission “to use and edit the remarks.” They add that they are looking at their legal options in the matter.
-with files from Caitlin Snow
( @realDonaldTrump – Truth Social Post )
— Donald J Trump Posts TruthSocial (@TruthTrumpPost) October 24, 2025
( Donald J. Trump – Oct 23, 2025, 10:39 PM ET )
The Ronald Reagan Foundation has just announced that Canada has fraudulently used an advertisement, which is FAKE, featuring Ronald Reagan speaking negatively about… pic.twitter.com/3dY6NchmxR
Canada and the United States are friends, neighbours and allies. President Ronald Reagan knew that we are stronger together.
— Doug Ford (@fordnation) October 24, 2025
God bless Canada and God bless the United States.https://t.co/n1Nj6ofNZU
