Ontario Ads Spark Trade Tensions as Trump Calls Off Talks

UPDATE: In a startling turn of events, U.S. President Donald Trump has abruptly called off trade talks with Canada amid controversy over Ontario government advertisements featuring former President Ronald Reagan. The ads, which aired on U.S. television, highlight Reagan’s views on tariffs and free trade, igniting tensions just as discussions were gaining momentum.

The ads depict Reagan warning that tariffs “hurt every American worker and consumer,” a message that has drawn ire from Trump and led to accusations of misrepresentation from the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation.

Former aides to Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, David McLaughlin and Geoff Norquay, assert that the ads accurately reflect Reagan’s pro-free trade stance. “I don’t see the Ontario ad mischaracterizing Reagan on free trade,” McLaughlin stated, emphasizing Reagan’s historical commitment to free trade with Canada.

As this situation unfolds, Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced Friday afternoon that the province will pull the ads after the weekend, which are still scheduled to air during the first two games of the World Series. The move aims to ease the escalating tensions with the U.S. administration.

The controversy stems from the Ontario government’s decision to push back against what it views as aggressive trade policies from the Trump administration. The ads feature archival footage of Reagan’s 1987 radio address where he described the dangers of high tariffs, stating, “High tariffs inevitably lead to retaliation by foreign countries and the triggering of fierce trade wars.”

Norquay noted that Mulroney’s strong relationship with Reagan was crucial in the lead-up to the historic 1988 Canada-U.S. Free Trade Agreement. “From the beginning of his prime ministership, Mr. Mulroney acted in many ways to ensure that the business relationship between him and Mr. Reagan became a close personal friendship,” he said.

This latest development underscores the complex dynamics of U.S.-Canada trade relations and raises questions about the future of negotiations. McLaughlin highlighted the delicate balance Canada must maintain in its relations with the U.S., especially under the current administration. “You have Canada, the small partner, trying to convince the big partner of the United States of the need to do something,” he stated.

As negotiations remain in limbo, both former advisers expressed concern that Canada cannot afford to remain passive while Trump’s policies potentially dismantle the Canadian economy piece by piece. “At a certain point, Canada cannot sit idly by,” Norquay warned, emphasizing the need for proactive engagement.

As the situation develops, all eyes will be on how the Ontario government and Canadian officials respond to the backlash from the U.S. and what that means for future trade discussions.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on October 24, 2025.