Ford calls for retaliatory tariffs to 'inflict as much pain as possible' on Americans

Ontario Premier Doug Ford said he's in full support of retaliatory tariffs after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a new 25 per cent tariff Wednesday on cross-border auto trade. 

"We're going to make sure that we inflict as much pain as possible to the American people without inflicting pain on the Canadian population," Ford said at Queen's Park on Wednesday. 

The tariffs are expected to affect all finished vehicles imported into the U.S. starting April 3, then some parts within weeks and perhaps all parts eventually. 

Ford said the announcement came as a surprise and he thought the province would be informed beforehand. 

He said he finds it "very difficult to believe [auto companies] can dissect every single part in an automobile by April 2." 

Automobile costs in the U.S. will skyrocket after these tariffs come into effect, he said. 

"I know President Trump likes telling people 'you're fired.' I didn't think he meant auto workers in the U.S. when he said that," he said. 

Ford said he's looking to speak with other premiers early next week to discuss the new round of tariffs and take a "Team Canada" approach. He will also be requesting a meeting with all Canadian CEOs and presidents of the auto sector. 

"We just aren't going to roll over. We're going to retaliate and he's going to feel the pain from the American people," he said. 

Ford said he spoke to Prime Minister Mark Carney on Wednesday and will encourage him to "target American cars" in the federal government's response. 

"We buy as many cars off the U.S. as we sell down there," he said. 

When asked about implementing a retaliatory electricity tariff, the premier said he will wait to see what happens on April 2. 

"I do not want to hurt other provinces on that," he said.