Ontario Premier Doug Ford is set to travel to Washington, D.C., this week to meet with American officials and unveil a plan to build Fortress North America, a renewed partnership between Canada, the United States, and Mexico. The initiative is anchored in the strength of the Canada-U.S. relationship and reinforced by trilateral cooperation with Mexico.
Ending Trade Uncertainty
In every conversation with American politicians and business leaders, Ford emphasizes that tariffs and uncertainty harm workers, businesses, and families in both countries. He argues that trade conflict between allies only creates uncertainty, which benefits competitors, not North American workers.
Ford expresses deep respect for the United States and its entrepreneurial spirit, believing strongly in what the two nations can achieve together. He stresses that Ontario and Canada will always do what is necessary to protect their workers and businesses, but the best outcome for both sides is ending uncertainty and collaborating to support jobs and economic growth.
A Defining Moment
As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, Ford calls this a defining moment for the partnership. He advocates for a fair trade agreement that will create more jobs, lower costs, and strengthen economic and continental security amid growing global competition, particularly from China.
Ontario is described as the economic engine of Canada and a critical partner to the United States. It is America’s closest ally and the largest customer for more than half of U.S. states. Ontario supplies essentials that Americans rely on daily, including critical minerals, rare earths, electricity, uranium, manufacturing inputs, food, and health products that support U.S. families, factories, and defense industries.
Integrated Economies
Ford highlights that nowhere else in the world are two economies so deeply integrated. This integration is amplified through North America’s trilateral trade framework, where strong Canada-U.S. ties drive broader continental growth. He notes a constructive shift in Mexico’s approach to trade, including increased attention to issues such as transshipment and trade enforcement, and looks forward to working with Mexico to strengthen cooperation.
Ford argues that moving forward under a renewed Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) is in all shared interests. A strengthened CUSMA will support shared prosperity and unlock the full potential of Fortress North America.
Jobs Boom Ahead
According to Ford, the right agreement could unlock billions in new investment across North American auto, steel, manufacturing, agriculture, energy, and critical mineral supply chains, leading to a jobs boom. He concludes that building together is essential for the future of the continent.
