Carney and Ford speak for first time since China trade deal
Prime Minister Mark Carney and Ontario Premier Doug Ford held an amicable call after Carney’s agreement with China drew criticism over tariff relief for electric vehicles and canola.
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By Torontoer Staff
Prime Minister Mark Carney and Ontario Premier Doug Ford spoke on Thursday, their first direct contact since Carney announced a trade agreement with China that removes several barriers. Ford’s office described the call as amicable, but the deal has already strained provincial-federal relations.
Carney’s announcement provided tariff relief for the canola and agricultural sectors, and also lifted levies on 49,000 Chinese electric vehicles. Ford expressed profound disappointment in the agreement and said he was left out of discussions even as other provincial leaders travelled with the prime minister.
What the China agreement covers
The agreement aims to reduce trade frictions for agricultural exports, notably canola, while eliminating tariffs on a large number of electric vehicles imported from China. Federal officials say the package will ease immediate export barriers for farmers. Ontario’s government has focussed on the EV provision, warning of potential consequences for the province’s auto sector and supply chain.
Ford’s response and the next meeting
Ford publicly complained earlier in the week that he had not been informed personally about the deal. He framed the oversight as a breakdown in communication, and signalled he would press the issue in person next week when premiers meet in Ottawa for a Council of the Federation meeting, followed by a first ministers’ meeting with Mr. Carney.
I’m encouraged by Mr. Carney’s level of communication so far, and we did get an update relatively soon after that announcement, within hours with the EVs and the canola and all that.
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew
Officials said the leaders will use the Ottawa meetings to discuss the Canada-wide economic and sectoral effects of the deal. Ontario is expected to seek reassurances and more detailed briefings on any measures that could affect manufacturing jobs and the auto supply chain.
U.S. comments on Alberta and wider implications
The fallout extends beyond federal-provincial relations. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, speaking in an interview with American media, directly referenced rumours of an Alberta referendum and suggested the province would be a ‘‘natural partner for the U.S.’’ His remarks were the highest-profile U.S. comment on the matter so far and add an international dimension to domestic political conversations.
Alberta has a wealth of natural resources, but they won’t let them build a pipeline to the Pacific. I think we should let them come down into the U.S., and Alberta is a natural partner for the U.S.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent
Bessent’s office did not immediately respond to requests for further comment. The remarks may feed political debate within Canada about economic ties and federal cohesion, particularly as premiers prepare to meet with the prime minister.
Other developments to watch
- U.S. President withdraws Carney’s invitation to the Board of Peace after the prime minister missed the group’s first meeting.
- Parti Québécois proceeds with plans that keep a referendum at the centre of its platform ahead of the provincial election.
- Activist Yves Engler was found guilty of harassment over a mass e-mail campaign targeting a Montreal police officer.
- Quebec has postponed its 2030 emissions target by five years, citing concerns about jobs and economic impacts.
- A federal AI strategy task force recommended regulating aspects of chatbots and requiring platforms to label AI-generated photos and video.
On our radar
- House of Commons returns on Monday for its first sitting of the year.
- Mr. Carney’s two-day cabinet retreat in Quebec City concluded today.
- Premiers will meet in Ottawa next Wednesday at the Council of the Federation, followed by a first ministers’ meeting with the prime minister on Thursday.
- Party leaders have scattered schedules this week, with Green Party leader Elizabeth May attending a community meeting and interim NDP leader Don Davies in Rankin Inlet.
Expect the coming Council of the Federation and first ministers’ meeting to set the tone for federal-provincial relations in the weeks ahead. Ontario’s concerns about electric-vehicle tariffs and the wider political responses from U.S. officials mean the trade agreement will remain a focal point as premiers press for details and potential remedies.
Mark CarneyDoug FordChina tradeCouncil of the FederationCanada politics
