Asked about prior support, Ford says he hoped Trump 'might be a little different' during 2nd term
PC Leader was caught on video saying he was ‘happy’ Trump won — until tariff threats
Pressed by reporters about comments on video where he said he was happy Donald Trump had won the most recent U.S. election, Progressive Conservative Leader Doug Ford said he hoped the situation with Trump "might be a little different," despite Trump's prior threats to levy tariffs on Canadian exports.
Ford was captured on video after a news conference Monday saying he was happy that Trump had won the most recent U.S. election — until Trump made threats of steep tariffs that could devastate Ontario's economy.
"I can work with anyone, I don't care who it is. I just thought things might be a little different," Ford said Tuesday when asked why he was happy that Trump was elected, despite Trump's history of trade threats during his first term.
"I believe in people that want to put money back into people's pockets. I believe in elected officials, no matter what stripe, lowering taxes on people, on businesses, that's economics 101," Ford said.
Trump didn't threaten Canada with 25 per cent tariffs until weeks after his election win — though he was outspoken about his intention to use tariffs as part of his economic policy.
Hours before the tariffs were set to begin, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Monday Trump will hold off on levying tariffs on Canada for at least 30 days after Canada made a series of commitments to improve security along the border.
In his role as the incumbent premier, Ford paused all retaliatory measures in response to U.S. tariffs, including pulling American-made liquor off LCBO shelves and ripping up Ontario's nearly $100-million contract with Elon Musk's Starlink.
Ford said the 30 day pause has "averted disaster" for Canada's economy for now, but said the country and province continue to stare down a grave economic threat.
"The only thing that's certain is uncertainty for the next 30 days."
At campaign events Tuesday, both Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles and Ontario Liberal Party Leader Bonnie Crombie suggested the candid moment of Ford caught on video reflected poorly on his character.
"I think the fact that he keeps saying one thing in front of you and another thing behind doors tells you everything you need to know about Doug Ford," Stiles said.
The NDP leader added that Trump "doesn't seem to be aware of who Doug Ford is."
Crombie said she found the comments "simply outrageous."
"I think that statement, caught on a hot mic when he didn't know other people could be listening, shows his true character."
In an emailed statement, Ontario Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner said it was disappointing to hear that Ford was rooting for a presidential candidate "who made it clear during his campaign that he was going to use tariffs against Canada."
"This is more evidence that Doug Ford cares about his own job and his own interests more than he cares about the people of Ontario."
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