Canada PM Apologises to Trump Over Ontario’s Anti-tariff Ad
Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney said he privately apologised to U.S. President Donald Trump for a political advertisement produced by Ontario Premier Doug Ford that criticised U.S. tariffs and featured former President Ronald Reagan. The ad used an excerpt from Reagan’s 1987 remarks warning against trade wars. Carney stated he had earlier reviewed the ad with Ford and opposed its release, but the campaign went ahead.
Trade Fallout
Following the advertisement, Trump announced an increase in U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods and suspended trade negotiations between the two nations. Carney said Canada stands ready to resume talks when the United States is ready, emphasising the importance of restoring dialogue to reduce tensions.
Political and Diplomatic Implications
The episode has strained the traditionally close Canada-U.S. trade relationship. Carney’s apology is seen as a diplomatic effort to smooth over the conflict, though he maintained that the ad’s message was aimed at protecting Canadian economic interests. Analysts suggest that while the public diplomacy move may relieve some pressure, the underlying trade issues remain unresolved and could continue to shape the bilateral agenda in the coming months.
