Canadian ministers, Ford meeting with US commerce secretary in high-stakes trade war meeting

Canadian officials, including Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc, Ambassador Kirsten Hillman, and Ontario Premier Doug Ford, will meet US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick in Washington DC on Thursday amid an escalating trade war with President Donald Trump.  

The talks follow Trump’s decision on Wednesday to impose 25% tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum, as part of a bigger global trade war between the US and other countries. 

Ford paused Ontario’s electricity surcharge on three US states on March 11 after Trump threatened to double tariffs.

Ford said the purpose of the meeting is to clarify Trump’s tariff plans. 

“We need predictability,” Ford told reporters. 

“Families and businesses on both sides deserve stability.”  

The dispute has strained Canada-US relations, compounded by Trump’s recent unfounded claims about Canadian annexation desires. 

Trump’s pick for US ambassador to Canada, ex-Michigan congressman Pete Hoekstra, faces a Senate confirmation hearing on Thursday. 

Critics expect questions about his past comments on trade and diplomacy.

LeBlanc emphasized collaboration with the US government on trade.

“We’re focused on protecting Canadian jobs,” said LeBlanc. 

The meeting is part of Canada’s push to protect key industries as global trade uncertainty grows.