Canada has sent a clear message to US President Donald Trump that it will not be intimidated by tariffs despite facing historic low voter turnout in the recent Ontario election. Premier Doug Ford, who secured his third term as leader of the province, vowed to push back against Trump’s threats, saying “Canada is not for sale.”
Ford, who has been a vocal critic of Trump’s persistent references to Canada as the 51st US state, used his victory speech to rally support and defend the country’s sovereignty. He claimed that Trump underestimates the resilience of the Canadian people and spirit.
The election was called after polls closed on Thursday evening, with voter turnout at around 44%, tied with the lowest ever recorded in 2022. Ford ran his campaign under the slogan “Protect Canada,” highlighting his stance against US tariff threats.
Trump had announced plans to impose tariffs on Canada and Mexico next week, citing security assurances at their shared borders. However, economists warn that such tariffs would be devastating for Canada’s economy and raise costs for Americans.
Ford has proposed strong retaliation, including cutting energy supply to the US and pulling American booze from provincial liquor stores. He also suggested a “Fortress Am-Can” alliance with the US to avoid tariffs altogether.
The Ontario election comes amid economic uncertainty and controversy surrounding Ford’s leadership. Despite criticism from opposition parties, Ford remains committed to defending Canada against Trump’s threats.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c62zzd3zp50o