Premier Ford, opposition party weigh in on tight U.S. presidential race

Many Canadians are bracing for how the American election could impact relations between our two countries.

In a video uploaded to social media on Monday, Ontario Premier Doug Ford weighed in on the matter, calling for stronger economic ties between neighbours, no matter the outcome of the election.

“The upcoming presidential and congressional elections will have an enormous impact on the future of our province,” he said.

“No matter the political stripe, we’ve maintained a strong economic partnership that has driven economic growth, trade, jobs and investments on both sides of the border. And no matter the outcome in the election, we’re going to continue to work together, Ontario jobs depend on it.”

Ford also said if Ontario was a stand-alone country, it would be the United States’ third-largest trading partner, with trade totaling $493 billion last year.

But, Ford’s message was not well received by his opposing party, who have thrown their weight behind Democratic candidate Kamala Harris.

“I think, once again, the Premier of this province needs to be able to work with anyone and put ideology aside for a moment,” Ontario NDP leader Marit Stiles said.

“So I hope he’d be willing to work with hopefully Vice-President and soon to be President Harris.”

Presidential candidate Donald Trump has proposed a 10 per cent tariff on all imports entering the United States, including from Canada.

The official 2024 U.S. Presidential election is happening on Tuesday.

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