Ontario Premier Doug Ford launched a fierce attack on US President Donald Trump on Monday (Aug 24), calling him a "bully", "dictator" and "loser" as tensions between Canada and the United States intensified over tariffs and stalled trade talks.Ford's comments came after Trump publicly criticised the Ontario premier on Truth Social, escalating an already bitter dispute between the two countries. Trump had described Ford as the "less charismatic, intelligent, and overall unimpressive brother" of the late former Toronto mayor Rob Ford. The post followed comments by Ford in which he told an Ottawa radio programme that Trump could "kiss my ass".Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-don-t-need-canada-they-need-us-trump-announces-50-tariffs-on-imported-cars-trucks-from-canada-starting-jan-2027-1787583181567">Trump announces 50% tariffs on imported cars, trucks from Canada</a><h2>Ford hits back at Trump</h2>Speaking at a news conference in Hamilton, Ford initially said he would not respond to a "dictator" and "bully". He then launched into a lengthy response directed at the US president."I have a lot of real estate on my ass, so he has a lot of room to kiss my ass," Ford said.He accused Trump of "tariffing his own people" and criticised the US president's record on business. "I am not going to take any advice off a guy that is the king of bankruptcies," Ford said.Ford also told Americans that he believed Trump's trade policies would hurt US workers and urged voters to consider that when they cast ballots in the upcoming midterm elections.<h2>Trump warns Canada of 'far worse' consequences</h2>Trump, meanwhile, said Canada "couldn't survive" without the US and accused Ford and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney of refusing to cooperate with Washington.Calling them "Governor Carney and his flunky, Ford", Trump warned: "Someone should get these clowns to 'fall in line' or, the consequences for Canada will be far WORSE!"Ford responded by saying he was ready for the confrontation. "Good. I have been in this game a lot longer than he has," he said, adding: "Bring it on."Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/foolish-to-fight-trump-admin-escalates-trade-war-warning-to-canada-after-talks-breakdown-1787500955103">Trump admin escalates trade war warning to Canada after talks breakdown</a><h2>Trade war pushes tensions higher</h2>The personal clash comes as Canada and the US remain locked in a wider trade dispute. Trump has threatened to impose a 50 per cent tariff on Canadian vehicles by 2027, while Canada has announced retaliatory measures.Talks on a new trade agreement broke down on Friday after Carney accused Washington of making last-minute changes that were "unfair, uneconomic" and raised questions about the reliability of any deal.Ford backed Carney's decision not to accept what he called a bad agreement, but acknowledged that prolonged trade tensions would bring economic pain. He urged Ottawa to take steps to protect affected industries and said Canada needed to keep "everything on the table", including measures involving electricity, fuel, potash and uranium."This is about survival right now," Ford said.

The Canada-US trade fight has turned deeply personal. Ontario Premier Doug Ford has fired back at Donald Trump with a string of insults after the US president threatened Canada with "far worse" consequences.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford launched a fierce attack on US President Donald Trump on Monday (Aug 24), calling him a "bully", "dictator" and "loser" as tensions between Canada and the United States intensified over tariffs and stalled trade talks. Ford's comments came after Trump publicly criticised the Ontario premier on Truth Social, escalating an already bitter dispute between the two countries. Trump had described Ford as the "less charismatic, intelligent, and overall unimpressive brother" of the late former Toronto mayor Rob Ford. The post followed comments by Ford in which he told an Ottawa radio programme that Trump could "kiss my ass". Also read | Trump announces 50% tariffs on imported cars, trucks from Canada Ford hits back at Trump Speaking at a news conference in Hamilton, Ford initially said he would not respond to a "dictator" and "bully". He then launched into a lengthy response directed at the US president. "I have a lot of real estate on my ass, so he has a lot of room to kiss my ass," Ford said. He accused Trump of "tariffing his own people" and criticised the US president's record on business. "I am not going to take any advice off a guy that is the king of bankruptcies," Ford said. Ford also told Americans that he believed Trump's trade policies would hurt US workers and urged voters to consider that when they cast ballots in the upcoming midterm elections. Trump warns Canada of 'far worse' consequences Trump, meanwhile, said Canada "couldn't survive" without the US and accused Ford and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney of refusing to cooperate with Washington. Calling them "Governor Carney and his flunky, Ford", Trump warned: "Someone should get these clowns to 'fall in line' or, the consequences for Canada will be far WORSE!" Ford responded by saying he was ready for the confrontation. "Good. I have been in this game a lot longer than he has," he said, adding: "Bring it on." Also read | Trump admin escalates trade war warning to Canada after talks breakdown Trade war pushes tensions higher The personal clash comes as Canada and the US remain locked in a wider trade dispute. Trump has threatened to impose a 50 per cent tariff on Canadian vehicles by 2027, while Canada has announced retaliatory measures. Talks on a new trade agreement broke down on Friday after Carney accused Washington of making last-minute changes that were "unfair, uneconomic" and raised questions about the reliability of any deal. Ford backed Carney's decision not to accept what he called a bad agreement, but acknowledged that prolonged trade tensions would bring economic pain. He urged Ottawa to take steps to protect affected industries and said Canada needed to keep "everything on the table", including measures involving electricity, fuel, potash and uranium. "This is about survival right now," Ford said.

The Canada-US trade fight has turned deeply personal. Ontario Premier Doug Ford has fired back at Donald Trump with a string of insults after the US president threatened Canada with "far worse" consequences.

Canada-US trade war: Ontario Premier Doug Ford slams Trump, calls him a 'dictator' and 'king of bankruptcies'

Canada has announced fresh tariffs on American products worth $20.7 billion in response to US tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum. The retaliatory measures, which come into effect on Thursday, target a range of goods, including computers and sports equipment.
Finance Minister Dominic Leblanc described the US tariffs as "unjustified and unreasonable," adding that Canada&rsquo;s retaliation was necessary to defend its industries. The move follows President Donald Trump&rsquo;s decision to impose a 25% duty on Canadian steel and aluminum exports.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-tariff-trump-trade-war-european-union-slaps-283b-in-tariffs-on-us-goods-after-trumps-metal-duties-8847083">&lsquo;Bad for business, worse for consumers&rsquo;: EU slaps tariffs on $28.3bn US goods after Trump&rsquo;s metal duties</a>
<h2>Ontario Premier meets Prime Minister-elect Mark Carney</h2>
Ontario Premier Doug Ford, a vocal advocate for Canada&rsquo;s response to Trump's tariffs, met with Prime Minister-elect Mark Carney to discuss the situation.
"This morning, I met with Mark Carney, Canada&rsquo;s incoming prime minister for a positive and productive discussion. We agreed on the need to stand firm and strong in the face of President Trump&rsquo;s threats, including additional retaliatory tariffs in response to U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum, which will raise costs for American businesses and families," Ford said.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/register-or-be-treated-as-criminal-900000-snowbird-canadians-face-new-us-travel-restrictions-amid-trade-war-8847588">Register or 'be treated as criminal': 900,000 'snowbird' Canadians face new US travel restrictions amid trade war</a>
He added, "Team Canada has risen to the challenge and proven that no one should ever underestimate the strength and resilience of the Canadian people. Together, we will get through this more united than ever before."
Ford also affirmed Canada&rsquo;s determination to resist US pressure. "Canada won&rsquo;t relent until the threat of tariffs is gone for good. I look forward to sitting down with U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and members of the Trump administration&rsquo;s economic team tomorrow," he said.
<h2>Talks on trade and electricity exports</h2>
Ford said that Secretary Lutnick had reached out to discuss the future of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), particularly in light of Ontario&rsquo;s 25% surcharge on electricity exports to the US.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/video-justin-trudeau-bursts-into-tears-during-press-briefing-says-he-put-canadians-first-amid-trade-war-with-trump-8835918">Video: Justin Trudeau bursts into tears at farewell address, says he 'put Canadians first' amid trade war with Trump</a>
"Facing the cost of Ontario&rsquo;s 25 per cent surcharge on electricity exports, Secretary Lutnick extended an olive branch to start a conversation about the future of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement. Over the coming weeks and months, I&rsquo;m going to work with Secretary Lutnick, our federal partners and every premier in good faith toward a free trade deal that&rsquo;s fair for both countries," Ford said.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/who-are-bla-everything-you-need-to-know-about-baloch-militant-group-that-hijacked-pakistani-train-8847668">Who are Baloch Liberation Army? Here's all you need to know about militant group that hijacked Pakistani train</a>
<h2>EU joins the fight with $28.3 billion tariffs</h2>
In a separate but related development, the European Union has announced new tariffs on $28.3 billion worth of US goods in retaliation for America&rsquo;s latest metal tariffs.
(With inputs from agencies)

World: Finance Minister Dominic Leblanc described the US tariffs as "unjustified and unreasonable," adding that Canada’s retaliation was necessary to defend its industries.

Canada has announced fresh tariffs on American products worth $20.7 billion in response to US tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum. The retaliatory measures, which come into effect on Thursday, target a range of goods, including computers and sports equipment. Finance Minister Dominic Leblanc described the US tariffs as "unjustified and unreasonable," adding that Canada’s retaliation was necessary to defend its industries. The move follows President Donald Trump’s decision to impose a 25% duty on Canadian steel and aluminum exports. Also read: ‘Bad for business, worse for consumers’: EU slaps tariffs on $28.3bn US goods after Trump’s metal duties Ontario Premier meets Prime Minister-elect Mark Carney Ontario Premier Doug Ford, a vocal advocate for Canada’s response to Trump's tariffs, met with Prime Minister-elect Mark Carney to discuss the situation. "This morning, I met with Mark Carney, Canada’s incoming prime minister for a positive and productive discussion. We agreed on the need to stand firm and strong in the face of President Trump’s threats, including additional retaliatory tariffs in response to U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum, which will raise costs for American businesses and families," Ford said. Also read: Register or 'be treated as criminal': 900,000 'snowbird' Canadians face new US travel restrictions amid trade war He added, "Team Canada has risen to the challenge and proven that no one should ever underestimate the strength and resilience of the Canadian people. Together, we will get through this more united than ever before." Ford also affirmed Canada’s determination to resist US pressure. "Canada won’t relent until the threat of tariffs is gone for good. I look forward to sitting down with U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and members of the Trump administration’s economic team tomorrow," he said. Talks on trade and electricity exports Ford said that Secretary Lutnick had reached out to discuss the future of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), particularly in light of Ontario’s 25% surcharge on electricity exports to the US. Also read: Video: Justin Trudeau bursts into tears at farewell address, says he 'put Canadians first' amid trade war with Trump "Facing the cost of Ontario’s 25 per cent surcharge on electricity exports, Secretary Lutnick extended an olive branch to start a conversation about the future of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement. Over the coming weeks and months, I’m going to work with Secretary Lutnick, our federal partners and every premier in good faith toward a free trade deal that’s fair for both countries," Ford said. Also read: Who are Baloch Liberation Army? Here's all you need to know about militant group that hijacked Pakistani train EU joins the fight with $28.3 billion tariffs In a separate but related development, the European Union has announced new tariffs on $28.3 billion worth of US goods in retaliation for America’s latest metal tariffs. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Until threat is gone for good’: Canada hits US with $20.7bn tariffs over ‘unjustified’ steel levies

Doug Ford, the premier of Ontario, announced that as of Monday, Ontario will impose a 25 per cent surcharge on electricity sold to 1.5 million American customers. This move is in direct response to Trump&rsquo;s ongoing trade war.
Ontario supplies electricity to Minnesota, New York, and Michigan. Ford warned that he was prepared to escalate further if necessary. &ldquo;I will not hesitate to increase this charge. If the United States escalates, I will not hesitate to shut the electricity off completely,&rdquo; he said at a news conference in Toronto.
Ford added, &ldquo;Believe me when I say I do not want to do this. I feel terrible for the American people who didn&rsquo;t start this trade war. It&rsquo;s one person who is responsible, it&rsquo;s President Trump.&rdquo;
Despite Trump&rsquo;s offer of a one-month reprieve, Ford said Ontario would keep the surcharge in place, arguing that temporary pauses only create further uncertainty.
According to Ford&rsquo;s office, the new market rules require any electricity generator selling power to the US to apply a 25 per cent surcharge. The provincial government expects to generate between $208,000 and $277,000 per day in additional revenue, which will be used to support Ontario workers, families, and businesses.
This surcharge adds to the Canadian federal government&rsquo;s existing $21 billion worth of retaliatory tariffs on American products, including orange juice, peanut butter, coffee, household appliances, footwear, cosmetics, motorcycles, and certain pulp and paper products.
<h2>PM-elect Carney calls Trump 2.0 'most significant threat Canadians have faced'</h2>
Meanwhile, Mark Carney was elected leader of Canada&rsquo;s ruling Liberal Party on Sunday. The 59-year-old is expected to officially take over as prime minister within the next week, succeeding Justin Trudeau.
In his victory speech, Carney directly addressed the challenges posed by US President Donald Trump, calling his administration "the most significant threat Canadians have faced in their lifetime." He warned, &ldquo;If they succeed, they would destroy our way of life.&rdquo;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-mark-carney-liberal-leader-set-to-succeed-justin-trudeau-as-canadas-next-pm-8839736">Who is Mark Carney? Liberal leader set to succeed Justin Trudeau as Canada&rsquo;s next PM</a>
To loud cheers from supporters in Ottawa, Carney announced his intention to keep Canada&rsquo;s reciprocal tariffs on US goods in place until the United States treats Canada with &ldquo;respect.&rdquo; He also dismissed Trump&rsquo;s suggestion that Canada could become a 51st US state, saying, &ldquo;Canada never, ever will be part of America in any way. Americans should make no mistake: In trade, as in hockey, Canada will win.&rdquo;
I&rsquo;ve learned a few things from long experience in crises. The first is that &lsquo;plan beats no plan,&rsquo;&rdquo; he said. His vision includes building millions of homes, transforming Canada into an energy superpower, and establishing new trade corridors with "reliable partners."
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mark-carney-next-pm-of-canada-warns-of-existential-crisis-says-us-wants-our-country-8837801">Canada's next PM Mark Carney warns of existential challenge, says US wants 'our country'</a>
(With inputs from agencies)

World: Ontario Premier Doug Ford said that as of Monday, they will impose a 25% surcharge on electricity sold to 1.5 million US customers in response to Trump’s ongoing trade war.

Doug Ford, the premier of Ontario, announced that as of Monday, Ontario will impose a 25 per cent surcharge on electricity sold to 1.5 million American customers. This move is in direct response to Trump’s ongoing trade war. Ontario supplies electricity to Minnesota, New York, and Michigan. Ford warned that he was prepared to escalate further if necessary. “I will not hesitate to increase this charge. If the United States escalates, I will not hesitate to shut the electricity off completely,” he said at a news conference in Toronto. Ford added, “Believe me when I say I do not want to do this. I feel terrible for the American people who didn’t start this trade war. It’s one person who is responsible, it’s President Trump.” Despite Trump’s offer of a one-month reprieve, Ford said Ontario would keep the surcharge in place, arguing that temporary pauses only create further uncertainty. According to Ford’s office, the new market rules require any electricity generator selling power to the US to apply a 25 per cent surcharge. The provincial government expects to generate between $208,000 and $277,000 per day in additional revenue, which will be used to support Ontario workers, families, and businesses. This surcharge adds to the Canadian federal government’s existing $21 billion worth of retaliatory tariffs on American products, including orange juice, peanut butter, coffee, household appliances, footwear, cosmetics, motorcycles, and certain pulp and paper products. PM-elect Carney calls Trump 2.0 'most significant threat Canadians have faced' Meanwhile, Mark Carney was elected leader of Canada’s ruling Liberal Party on Sunday. The 59-year-old is expected to officially take over as prime minister within the next week, succeeding Justin Trudeau. In his victory speech, Carney directly addressed the challenges posed by US President Donald Trump, calling his administration "the most significant threat Canadians have faced in their lifetime." He warned, “If they succeed, they would destroy our way of life.” Also read: Who is Mark Carney? Liberal leader set to succeed Justin Trudeau as Canada’s next PM To loud cheers from supporters in Ottawa, Carney announced his intention to keep Canada’s reciprocal tariffs on US goods in place until the United States treats Canada with “respect.” He also dismissed Trump’s suggestion that Canada could become a 51st US state, saying, “Canada never, ever will be part of America in any way. Americans should make no mistake: In trade, as in hockey, Canada will win.” I’ve learned a few things from long experience in crises. The first is that ‘plan beats no plan,’” he said. His vision includes building millions of homes, transforming Canada into an energy superpower, and establishing new trade corridors with "reliable partners." Also read: Canada's next PM Mark Carney warns of existential challenge, says US wants 'our country' (With inputs from agencies)

‘Feeling terrible for American people’: Ontario slaps 25% surcharge on US electricity amid Trump’s trade war

A Canadian court on Friday ordered protesters blocking the Ambassador Bridge,&nbsp;a vital trade corridor between Canada and the United States,&nbsp;to leave right away, an official said.

"Injunction granted. Judge ruled that protestors must leave by 7:00 pm," tweeted Drew Dilkens, the mayor of Windsor, Ontario.

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-ukraine-direct-trudeau-tweets-from-his-secret-hide-out-amid-trucker-protest-451580/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe>

Upping the stakes, President Joe Biden Friday reiterated his "concern" to Trudeau, telling him the blockade of the Ambassador Bridge and two other border crossings was having serious effects on US firms.

Addressing reporters in Ottawa, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said all options were "on the table" for ending the protests, though he stressed that calling in the military was a distant final resort, and "something to avoid having to do at all costs."

"This unlawful activity has to end and it will end," the prime minister said, adding that it was up to police to "enforce the law and protect public order."

The leader of Ontario, where police have avoided using force to disperse protesters, sought to build pressure on Friday by threatening C$100,000 fines and up to a year in prison for non-compliance.

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/canadian-anti-vax-trucker-protest-fires-up-copycat-protests-451654">Canadian anti-vax trucker protest fires up copycat protests</a>

Convoy organisers said they were moved to protest by a federal government requirement that truck drivers be fully vaccinated if they want to avoid a 14-day quarantine upon re-entry from the United States. However it’s a bilateral measure with the US imposing the same rule on January 22, meaning that even if Canada ended the restriction, it would make no practical difference.

The demonstrators in Ottawa, Ontario and elsewhere are primarily demanding an end to all COVID-19 vaccine mandates and other restrictions including mask requirements — though most of those were put in place by provincial governments. Protesters have called, too, for Trudeau’s resignation.

The “freedom convoy” was announced in early January by a group called Canada Unity, which was founded by James Bauder, a supporter of the QAnon conspiracy theories. Also involved are Tamara Lich, who previously belonged to the far-right Maverick Party, which calls for western Canada to become independent; and a former member of Trudeau’s Royal Canadian Mounted Police security detail.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canadian-trucker-protests-snarl-an-already-hobbled-auto-industry-452394" hreflang="en">Canadian trucker protests snarl an already hobbled auto industry</a>

Few actual commercial trucks are a part of the blockade at the Ambassador Bridge. Ontario Premier Doug Ford said Friday that the last count he had was five of them there, with the rest being personal cars: “Ninety-nine percent of the truckers are working their backs off. ... This is about a political statement, that’s what this is about.”

The protests have also been widely condemned by truckers and trucking groups. That includes the Canadian Trucking Alliance, which says the vast majority of drivers are fully vaccinated, in line with the country’s broader population.

The Ambassador Bridge is the busiest border crossing between Canada and the United States. Spanning the Detroit River between Detroit and Windsor, Ontario, the suspension bridge accounts for a whopping 25 per cent of all trade between the two countries, with $328 million (417 million Canadian dollars) in goods crossing each day.

The bridge is critical to the food sector in both countries as well as the auto industry; with crossings all but shut down, shortages have forced plants on both sides of the border to go offline or operate at reduced capacity.

(With inputs from agencies)

A Canadian court on Friday ordered protesters blocking the Ambassador Bridge, a vital trade corridor between Canada and the United States, to leave right away, an official said.

A Canadian court on Friday ordered protesters blocking the Ambassador Bridge, a vital trade corridor between Canada and the United States, to leave right away, an official said. "Injunction granted. Judge ruled that protestors must leave by 7:00 pm," tweeted Drew Dilkens, the mayor of Windsor, Ontario. Upping the stakes, President Joe Biden Friday reiterated his "concern" to Trudeau, telling him the blockade of the Ambassador Bridge and two other border crossings was having serious effects on US firms. Addressing reporters in Ottawa, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said all options were "on the table" for ending the protests, though he stressed that calling in the military was a distant final resort, and "something to avoid having to do at all costs." "This unlawful activity has to end and it will end," the prime minister said, adding that it was up to police to "enforce the law and protect public order." The leader of Ontario, where police have avoided using force to disperse protesters, sought to build pressure on Friday by threatening C$100,000 fines and up to a year in prison for non-compliance. Also see | Canadian anti-vax trucker protest fires up copycat protests Convoy organisers said they were moved to protest by a federal government requirement that truck drivers be fully vaccinated if they want to avoid a 14-day quarantine upon re-entry from the United States. However it’s a bilateral measure with the US imposing the same rule on January 22, meaning that even if Canada ended the restriction, it would make no practical difference. The demonstrators in Ottawa, Ontario and elsewhere are primarily demanding an end to all COVID-19 vaccine mandates and other restrictions including mask requirements — though most of those were put in place by provincial governments. Protesters have called, too, for Trudeau’s resignation. The “freedom convoy” was announced in early January by a group called Canada Unity, which was founded by James Bauder, a supporter of the QAnon conspiracy theories. Also involved are Tamara Lich, who previously belonged to the far-right Maverick Party, which calls for western Canada to become independent; and a former member of Trudeau’s Royal Canadian Mounted Police security detail. Also read | Canadian trucker protests snarl an already hobbled auto industry Few actual commercial trucks are a part of the blockade at the Ambassador Bridge. Ontario Premier Doug Ford said Friday that the last count he had was five of them there, with the rest being personal cars: “Ninety-nine percent of the truckers are working their backs off. ... This is about a political statement, that’s what this is about.” The protests have also been widely condemned by truckers and trucking groups. That includes the Canadian Trucking Alliance, which says the vast majority of drivers are fully vaccinated, in line with the country’s broader population. The Ambassador Bridge is the busiest border crossing between Canada and the United States. Spanning the Detroit River between Detroit and Windsor, Ontario, the suspension bridge accounts for a whopping 25 per cent of all trade between the two countries, with $328 million (417 million Canadian dollars) in goods crossing each day. The bridge is critical to the food sector in both countries as well as the auto industry; with crossings all but shut down, shortages have forced plants on both sides of the border to go offline or operate at reduced capacity. (With inputs from agencies)

Ottawa protest: Canada court orders end of trucks' bridge blockade

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Canada-US trade war: Ontario Premier Doug Ford slams Trump, calls him a 'dictator' and 'king of bankruptcies'

‘Until threat is gone for good’: Canada hits US with $20.7bn tariffs over ‘unjustified’ steel levies

‘Feeling terrible for American people’: Ontario slaps 25% surcharge on US electricity amid Trump’s trade war

Ottawa protest: Canada court orders end of trucks' bridge blockade