Ontario Premier Doug Ford praised his Thursday meeting with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick as "positive" and "productive" after tensions over tariffs on Canadian imports, The Hill reported.
"We shared a tremendous amount of views back and forth, and I'm feeling very positive," Ford told reporters outside the U.S. Department of Commerce building. "I just look forward to reaching out again next week. But this, I can honestly say, was the best meeting I've ever had coming down here."
Despite the optimism, no agreement was reached to alter or remove the U.S. tariffs on Canadian imports, a key issue in ongoing trade discussions between the two countries.
"Now keep in mind, Secretary Lutnick is a perceived businessman, a shrewd negotiator. And he's doing what's right for his country. And I'm doing what's right for my province, and in turn, our country," Ford said.
The Ontario premier has been a vocal critic of President Donald Trump's tariffs on steel and aluminum imports and has advocated for strong Canadian retaliation measures. Last week, Ford briefly proposed a 25% surcharge on electricity for three U.S. states but retracted the measure after Trump threatened to escalate tariffs on Canadian goods.
The trade dispute has roiled financial markets, contributing to volatility in the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the S&P 500. Investors and businesses have expressed concern over the uncertainty surrounding the tariffs and their potential economic impact.
Trump has said Canada should "become the 51st state," a comment that has drawn sharp responses from Canadian officials. Mark Carney, who is set to become Canada's next prime minister, dismissed the idea, saying Sunday, "Canada never, ever will be part of America in any way, shape, or form."
Lutnick has echoed Trump's sentiment, saying that merging the two nations' economies would be beneficial. However, such a proposal remains politically contentious and unlikely to gain traction.
Ford and Lutnick are expected to meet again next week as trade negotiations continue.
Jim Thomas ✉
Jim Thomas is a writer based in Indiana. He holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science, a law degree from U.I.C. Law School, and has practiced law for more than 20 years.
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