A new Ontario ad featuring former U.S. President Ronald Reagan warning about the dangers of tariffs has been revealed, coming with a hefty price tag of $75 million, confirmed by Premier Doug Ford’s office on Tuesday.
The ad showcases a radio address delivered by Reagan in 1987, emphasizing the negative impact of high tariffs on economies. Reagan cautions that escalating tariffs can lead to trade wars, market contractions, business closures, and mass job losses.
This advertisement debuted last week ahead of Ford’s U.S.-Canada summit address and was replayed before his recent Empire Club speech. It coincides with crucial trade discussions between Canada and the U.S.
President Trump, in a recent Oval Office meeting, reaffirmed the continuation of tariffs on Canada, citing historical tariff practices between the two nations, specifically targeting U.S. agricultural exports like dairy.
Premier Ford has been a vocal critic of Trump’s tariff strategies, advocating against trade conflicts and underscoring Ontario’s vital role in fostering a robust economic relationship with the U.S.
In light of this, Ford’s office announced that the Reagan ad will soon air on popular networks like Newsmax and Bloomberg, followed by a rollout on major channels over the next few weeks until January 31, 2026.
Ford reiterated the need for Canada to stand firm against tariff impositions while acknowledging the challenging position Prime Minister Mark Carney finds himself in when dealing with Trump. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong stance in negotiations and not succumbing to undue pressure.