WASHINGTON — After Doug Ford’s latest trip to Washington, D.C., to lobby American political leaders against President Donald Trump’s impending tariffs, governors appeared divided on the issue. The Canadian premiers, including Ford and Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston, found a receptive audience among some governors but faced opposition from others. The discussions highlighted the complexities of cross-border trade and the strategic importance of Canada’s critical minerals.

Divided Governors: Free Trade vs. Protectionism

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, a Democrat, expressed support for free trade among the U.S.-Canada-Mexico bloc. He was unsure whether Trump’s tariff threats were a strategic move or a self-destructive approach. Polis conveyed his concerns to White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, emphasizing the need for stability in the trading environment.

“My point was, whatever you’re doing in this area … get it done quickly here, so we get the stability we need for business and investment,” said Polis.

In contrast, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt, a Republican, advocated for the tariffs as a means to revitalize the U.S. manufacturing sector. He cited the loss of a European manufacturer’s North American plant to Canada, specifically mentioning Volkswagen’s decision to build its PowerCo battery plant in St. Thomas, Ontario, rather than Oklahoma.

“We want to support American jobs paying into our health-care system, paying into our social security system, and so having American jobs is really, really important for this administration. It’s important to Oklahomans,” said Stitt.

Trump’s Listening Preferences: Democrats vs. Republicans

The governors also discussed how much influence they believed President Trump would give to Democrats versus Republicans. Stitt noted that Trump himself had mentioned he would take a Democrat governor’s call first if both a Democrat and a Republican governor called at the same time.

“I don’t know if he’s making a joke, but he said, ‘If a Democrat governor and Republican governor call me the same time, I want to take the Democrat governor’s call first,’” Stitt said.

Polis quipped, “Problem is, we don’t all have his number, and you guys do.”

Stitt clarified that all governors have Miller’s number and believes Trump listens to all sides.

“He’s a businessman,” Stitt said of Trump. “He’s not ideological. He wants to get things done.”

Canada’s Strategic Advantage: Critical Minerals

Ford highlighted that the governors he met with are particularly interested in Canada’s critical minerals, which he described as Canada’s “ace in the hole” against Trump. These minerals are crucial for various industries, including technology and renewable energy, and Canada’s reserves are a significant strategic asset.

Trump’s announced 25 percent tariffs on Canadian imports, excluding energy, have created a complex trading environment. The tariffs were initially set to take effect on March 4, but a 30-day reprieve was granted after Canada agreed to measures related to border security, including naming a fentanyl czar and designating some drug cartels as terrorist organizations.

Canadian steel and aluminum are also facing a 25 percent tariff, which would be in addition to the 25 percent across-the-board tariffs, starting March 12. This has significant implications for U.S. industries that rely on Canadian imports, such as the automotive and construction sectors.

Ontario Election and Political Dynamics

Ontario’s election day is February 27, and the political dynamics at home are closely tied to Ford’s lobbying efforts. Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles criticized Ford’s approach, asserting that he is “obviously not making an impact.”

“This is Doug Ford, he’s been ineffective in his attempts to turn this around,” she said at a campaign stop in Scarborough on Saturday morning.

Stiles also expressed her commitment to standing up to Trump and defending Ontario’s industries.

“I will stand up to Donald Trump, and I will fight for every single job and defend every single industry in this province every single day,” Stiles said.

Ford, on the other hand, emphasized his determination to continue fighting against the tariffs. He recounted a bank visit where constituents expressed their concerns about Trump’s tariffs and urged him to keep pushing back.

“Boy, I won’t stop fighting,” Ford said. “I promise you, I will stand up to anyone, including Donald Trump, to support workers, to help businesses keep their lights on and to provide a lifeline to the community’s hardest hit.”

Economic Implications and Future Outlook

The ongoing tariff dispute has far-reaching economic implications for both countries. The uncertainty surrounding the trading environment has led to a freeze in business investment, as noted by Polis. This freeze affects various sectors, including manufacturing, technology, and energy.

Canada’s critical minerals, such as lithium and rare earth elements, are essential for the production of electric vehicles and renewable energy technologies. The U.S. relies heavily on these minerals for its own industrial and technological advancements. The strategic importance of these resources underscores the need for a stable and predictable trading environment.

As the March 4 deadline approaches, the outcome of the tariff dispute will significantly impact the economic landscape of both countries. The resolution will depend on the political dynamics within the U.S. and Canada, as well as the strategic decisions made by both governments.