Ford talks to Carney, premiers ahead of trade meeting in Washington on Thursday

Ontario Premier Doug Ford and federal Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc are gearing up for a crucial meeting with U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick in Washington, D.C. The meeting comes after a recent escalation in the trade war between Canada and the United States, with tariffs being imposed on steel and aluminum imports.

The Canadian officials are hoping to establish a “coherent plan” for the future of trade relations between the two countries. Despite recent tensions, Ford and LeBlanc are optimistic about the potential for a constructive dialogue with Lutnick.

Ford emphasized the importance of building a strong relationship with the U.S. and finding common ground on trade issues. He expressed a desire to move past the back-and-forth of tariffs and focus on finding a mutually beneficial solution.

LeBlanc echoed Ford’s sentiments, highlighting the need to “lower the temperature” and engage in productive discussions on tariffs and trade agreements. He indicated a willingness to expedite a review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement if necessary.

The meeting with Lutnick is seen as an opportunity to de-escalate tensions and work towards a more stable trade relationship. Both Ford and LeBlanc are hopeful that a positive outcome can be achieved, despite recent challenges.

In addition to their meeting with Lutnick, Ford and LeBlanc have been in discussions with other Canadian officials, including prime minister-designate Mark Carney. They are united in their commitment to standing firm against U.S. tariffs and advocating for fair trade practices.

Overall, the goal of the upcoming meeting is to establish a clear path forward for trade relations between Canada and the United States. By fostering open and productive dialogue, Ford, LeBlanc, and their colleagues hope to lay the groundwork for a more stable and mutually beneficial trade environment.