The echoes of Ronald Reagan’s free trade philosophy unexpectedly reverberated across the Canada-U.S. border, igniting a fierce dispute. Ontario’s Premier launched a bold, $75 million television campaign directly into the heart of American media, utilizing the former president’s own words to challenge current trade policies. The intent: a stark reminder of the prosperity born from open markets.
The advertisement, broadcast during prime time including the World Series, featured excerpts from a 1987 radio address. Reagan’s voice warned against the dangers of tariffs and trade wars, arguing they ultimately harm the American economy. It was a direct appeal to a historical precedent, a plea for a return to principles once championed by a highly respected figure.
The response was immediate and volatile. Accusations of misrepresentation flew from the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation, while President Trump himself denounced the ad as “fakery.” His reaction escalated quickly, leading him to abruptly halt ongoing trade negotiations with Canada and threaten a sweeping 10% tariff on all Canadian imports.
The fallout extended beyond harsh rhetoric. Prime Minister reported a chilling silence from the U.S. side following the ad’s release. Despite this, a recent encounter at an international summit saw the two leaders share a tense, silent moment during a formal toast, their eyes meeting but no words exchanged.
Premier Ford defended the campaign in a published letter, emphasizing Reagan’s strong support for the 1987 Free Trade Agreement. He argued that current tariffs weren’t just damaging the Canadian economy, but were actively jeopardizing American jobs and increasing costs for families.
Ford’s letter framed the issue as a matter of strategic unity. He posited that a strong, integrated North American economy, built on free and fair trade, was crucial—especially in the face of growing global challenges from nations like China and Russia. The ad, he insisted, wasn’t an act of hostility, but a call to reaffirm a shared path to greatness.
