The U.S. trade tariffs are at the forefront of Premier Doug Ford’s third term in office.
The Ford government’s priorities were outlined in the Throne Speech, read at Queen’s Park on Tuesday by Lieutenant Governor Edith Dumont.
There are promises to protect workers, businesses and communities.
“As a first step in helping Ontario’s workers and businesses, the province is providing $11 billion in urgent relief, helping to provide the fiscal flexibility necessary to adapt and confront the growing challenge of economic uncertainty,” read Dumont.
The Ford government intends to maintain its support for the electric vehicle industry and eliminate barriers that restrict internal trade among other provinces.
“Internal trade barriers are no different than President Trump’s tariffs: they increase costs, slow growth and hurt everyday, hard-working people. They stop Ontario’s economy from reaching its full potential,” read Dumont.
Ford proposes legislation that treats goods produced and services provided in other provinces and territories the same as Ontario, provided other provinces and territories do the same.
Ford also intends to advocate for national infrastructure projects, including pipelines.
“Your government will champion new pipelines eastward, westward, north and south, connecting Alberta oil to new refineries, new tidewater, and beyond it, new markets,” read Dumont.
“Much like the Canadian Pacific Railway tied our young country together 150 years ago, new nation-building infrastructure will reduce our reliance on the United States and help open up new markets for Canadian products overseas.”
Ford is also planning legislation that helps open up the Ring of Fire.
The Throne Speech identifies it as the most promising mineral development opportunity in the world, representing billions in economic potential.
“Your government will introduce bold new legislation to unlock the Ring of Fire. Once passed, this new legislation will provide the government the authority to designate regions where multiple critical mineral deposits are present or likely to be present, including the Ring of Fire, as regions of strategic importance to the province’s economy and security interests.”
The Ford government also proposes to invest over $200 billion to upgrade and build new roads and highways.
