Ontario Ad Paused After Trump Ends Trade Talks Over Anti-Tariff Campaign

Toronto: Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced on Friday that the controversial Ontario ad criticizing US tariffs would be paused starting Monday after discussions with Prime Minister Mark Carney. The move comes after US President Donald Trump abruptly ended trade talks with Canada, citing the Ontario ad as a major irritant.

The ad, which aired on American television using audio and video of former President Ronald Reagan criticizing tariffs, aimed to highlight the impact of US trade policies on workers and businesses. Ford emphasized that the Ontario ad achieved its goal of reaching US audiences at the highest levels, saying, “Our intention was always to start a conversation about the economy Americans want and how tariffs affect both workers and businesses.”

Despite the pause, the Ontario ad will continue airing over the weekend, including during the first games of the World Series. Ford noted, “We are keeping our message in front of Americans over the weekend to ensure the pro-trade message is clear.”

Trump publicly criticized the ad, calling it “fraudulent” and accusing Canada of misleading Americans. The US White House further stated that the ad demonstrated Canadian officials’ preference for political theatrics over serious negotiations.

The Ontario ad campaign, costing approximately C$75 million, became a flashpoint in trade tensions between Canada and the US, which have affected sectors like aluminum, steel, autos, and lumber. Canadian officials, including Carney, have reiterated their willingness to continue talks to reduce tariffs while navigating Trump’s aggressive trade stance.

Political reactions in Canada were mixed. Some leaders, including Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew, supported Ford’s pro-trade message, while analysts noted the ad may have backfired, straining diplomatic relations. Ford defended the ad as a factual replay of Reagan’s anti-tariff address, underscoring its role in advocating fair trade.

The suspension of the Ontario ad signals a temporary de-escalation in US-Canada trade tensions, with hopes that formal negotiations can resume soon.