Ontario Launches Multi-Million Dollar US Ad Campaign Amid Trump’s Tariff ThreatOntario has rolled out a multi-million dollar advertising campaign in the United States, promoting itself as an “ally to the north” in response to President-elect Donald Trump’s threat to impose tariffs on all Canadian goods.Trump has threatened to impose a 25% tariff on all Canadian and Mexican goods on his first day in office unless both countries secure their shared borders with the US.Ontario Premier Doug Ford likened the tariff threat to “a family member stabbing you right in the heart.” As a key player in Canada’s integrated auto industry, Ontario would be particularly impacted by the proposed tariffs. In 2023, trade between Ontario and the US totaled over C$493 billion ($350 billion).The 60-second ad, launched on Monday, will run throughout the holiday season in the US, including on Fox News and during National Football League games. It will also appear in Washington DC airports and later on billboards and digitally via the Fox Sports app in strategic US states.The ad begins with: “For generations, this ally to the North has been by your side: Ontario, Canada, a partner connected by shared history, shared values, and a shared vision for what we can achieve together.”It highlights that Ontario, with a population of 16 million, is the third-largest trading partner of the US and the primary export destination for 17 US states.Ontario’s trade minister, Vic Fedeli, noted that the ad would reach 100 million viewers, with even more watching during Monday Night Football.This ad campaign, which has been in development for months, is part of Ontario’s broader effort to engage US lawmakers.Trump’s tariff threat has raised concerns in Canada, as experts warn it could have severe consequences for both Canadian and American industries, including auto manufacturers, farmers, and food producers.Together, Mexico, China, and Canada account for over a third of US imports and exports, supporting millions of American jobs.While it is uncertain whether the incoming administration will follow through with the tariffs, analysts suggest that Trump may be using the threat as a negotiation strategy.On Friday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with Trump at the president-elect’s Mar-a-Lago resort, hoping to prevent the proposed tariffs. Trump described the dinner as “a very productive meeting,” while Trudeau called it an “excellent conversation.”
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