Ontario Premier Doug Ford concluded a two-day trip to Washington, D.C., on June 9, where he promoted renewing North America’s free-trade pact under a “Building Fortress North America” framework that he says would strengthen the continent’s prosperity and security.
Ford’s proposal calls for closer cooperation on critical minerals, manufacturing, energy, defence, and Arctic security while reducing North America’s reliance on China for strategic industries such as electric vehicles, semiconductors, batteries, and artificial intelligence, his office said in a release.
The proposal comes as Canada, the United States, and Mexico prepare for a review of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), while U.S. tariffs remain in place on Canadian steel, aluminum, and automobiles.
Ford met with members of Congress and aerospace and automotive industry representatives to rally support for renewing CUSMA, which he described as a “once-in-a-generation” opportunity for Canada, the U.S. and Mexico to boost economic growth.
“We’re seeing inflation happening on goods, on food, on fuel,” Ford said on June 9 from Washington, D.C. “If we get this deal done, everything is going to flow a lot quicker. There’s going to be more jobs, more opportunities for everyone.”
Details were not disclosed on who Ford met with specifically, apart from U.S. Ambassador to Canada Mark Wiseman, with whom he posted a photo. Ford had been scheduled to meet with American billionaire Ross Perot Jr., on June 8, who serves as chair of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. However, the meeting was cancelled for scheduling reasons according to the chamber, which did not provide further details.Ford said he’s been well received by those he met in Washington and emphasized positive ties with the United States.
