Ontario Premier Doug Ford says he “couldn’t be happier” with the results of the U.S. midterm elections because the result sends a message to U.S. President Donald Trump, whose tariffs have hammered the province’s economy.
“The American people spoke, and I couldn’t be happier,” Ford told reporters Wednesday. “They can blame everyone they want, but President Trump has to look in the mirror, take responsibility for the results of last night.”
His comments come after the Democrats trounced the Republicans in the U.S. midterm elections, gaining control of the House and senate in an election widely viewed as a referendum on U.S. President Donald Trump’s policies.
“Let’s do everything we can to get rid of these tariffs and show prosperity in both countries,” Ford said. “That’s what will create opportunities in both countries, by getting rid of these tariffs.”
Trump’s tariffs have battered Ontario’s economy and Ford has repeatedly spoken out against them. The province’s recent fall economic update added $3 billion to the deficit, with much of the extra spending going to rainy day funds to bolster against the impacts of further tariffs that could hit in January.
Speaking with reporters about Trump, he added “I can’t stand the guy” and said he’s proven himself untrustworthy.
“I can’t trust him as far as I can throw him. That’s my personal opinion,” Ford said. “Maybe the prime minister feels differently, but he (Trump) has shown over and over again that he can’t be trusted. He’ll make a deal. He’ll wake up in the morning, change the deal. And the (planned) tariffs in January are real. They’re as real as I’m standing here.”
Tariffs on Canadian auto and steel products are set to rise to 50 per cent in January.
Asked if he would work with some of the farther left candidates who were elected last night, such as socialist Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan, Ford said he would work “with anybody” to create jobs and increase prosperity.
