Doug Ford says Trump will follow through on huge tariff against Canada

Ontario Premier Doug Ford — wearing a Donald Trump-style hat saying "Canada is not for sale — on Wednesday said the U.S. president-elect will move forward with harsh tariffs on Canadian goods.

Trump, who takes office on January 20, said a 25% tariff would be imposed unless Canada remedies its border security problems.

"He's going to try to devastate our country," said Ford in a press conference at a meeting of Canadian premiers.

"He's going to try to divide our country."

"And we cannot have division in our country. There's one thing that's more important than jurisdictions, that is standing up for the country. Country comes first over anything, and we're going to continue to fight against these tariffs, and we're going to use every tool in our toolbox to make sure that happens."

Ford previously said Canada could restrict energy exports to the U.S. if Trump follows through on the tariff threat.

The imposition of tariffs could lead to a considerable contraction in Canada's GDP, says the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.

Estimates suggest a potential decrease of around 2.6% annually, which equates to roughly a $2,000 per capita hit, potentially pushing the Canadian economy into a recession by mid-2025 due to reduced demand for Canadian exports in the U.S., which is Canada's largest trading partner, accounting for about 75% of its exports.

...more to come