Ontario Premier Doug Ford made a trip to Washington, D.C. to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump’s Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick regarding the escalating trade war between the two countries. The meeting followed a week of back-and-forth tariff threats, with Ontario imposing a 25 per cent surcharge on energy exports to the U.S. and Trump retaliating with a threat of a 50 per cent tariff on steel and aluminum. The situation seemed dire until Lutnick reached out to Ford and extended an invitation to the White House as a peace offering.
Despite the initial tension, Ford described the meeting as an “olive branch” and even paused the energy surcharge to facilitate the discussion. In response, Trump lowered his proposed tariff to the 25 per cent rate that he is applying to other countries. The meeting between Ford and Lutnick was seen as a step towards de-escalating the trade war and finding a resolution that would benefit both nations.
The encounter between Ford and Lutnick highlights the importance of open communication and diplomacy in resolving trade disputes. The decision to come to the table and discuss the issues at hand demonstrates a willingness to find common ground and work towards a mutually beneficial solution. As the trade war continues to unfold, it is crucial for leaders on both sides to engage in dialogue and negotiations to prevent further escalation and protect the interests of their respective countries.
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Video “US-Canada trade war: Ford speaks during trip to Washington to discuss Trump tariffs | FULL” was uploaded on 03/13/2025 to Youtube Channel Global News