Ontario Premier the provincial leader has called for a public apology from the American envoy to Canada after a tense exchange between the diplomat and the region's trade representative.
The encounter, described as an “profanity-filled outburst”, took place between American diplomat the ambassador and Ontario official David Paterson regarding a TV commercial that questioned tariffs.
Labeling the remarks “completely inappropriate” and “unfitting for an diplomat”, Ford urged the envoy to apologize. “Pete, you have to call Dave up and apologise. It's simple,” Ford stated.
Recently, negotiations with Canada were suspended over the advertisement, with threats of an additional 10% tariff on Canadian imports.
“Understand, the situation got out of hand. I understand,” Ford said at a press conference, addressing Hoekstra's outburst. “You're ticked off, but call the guy up because you're a good guy, and David represents us well.”
The advertisement, funded by the provincial administration, features a quote from former President Reagan stating tariffs “hurt every America”, using portions from the ex-leader's 1987 broadcast about foreign trade.
The premier wanted to use the advert to influence public opinion on duties in conservative, Trump-backed regions. The premier has stated the ad achieved “billions of views” and reached a worldwide viewership.
“What do they expect me to do? Sit back and roll over like others in the globe?” he asked.
The spot also ran during the first two World Series games between the Toronto Blue Jays and the American team, which Ford hailed as “the top commercial in North American record”.
“They’re talking about it in the US, and it wasn't a topic before I put the ad on,” he added.
However, the campaign has angered several in the government, especially President Donald Trump who threatened to increase tariffs on Canada by ten percent “over and above” current levies following Ford’s action.
When questioned to clarify what the additional tariffs would entail, Trump responded, “I don’t know when it’s going to kick in, and we’ll see, but I prefer not to talk about it”.
There is currently a 35% tariff on Canadian goods, though most are excluded under an existing commerce pact. Certain sectors, however, have individual duties, such as 50% on steel and aluminium and 25% on automobiles.
On Wednesday, the American legislative body voted to pass a measure that would block the president's duties on Canada.
The narrow decision would terminate the emergency declaration applied for duties on some goods from the northern neighbor.
But the measure is unlikely to receive the backing needed in the US House of Representatives.
