Doug Ford Calls U.S. Supreme Court Tariff Ruling a Victory, Vows to Keep Fighting Remaining Duties

Doug Ford Welcomes U.S. Supreme Court Tariff Decision but Says Fight Is Not Over

Ontario Premier Doug Ford says the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision rejecting many of President Donald Trump’s global tariffs is a significant win for Canada — but he cautions that key trade barriers remain in place.

In a statement posted on social media Friday, Ford described the ruling as “another important victory.” The comments came hours after the U.S. Supreme Court determined that Trump did not have the authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose broad tariffs on multiple countries.

Trump had declared a national emergency to invoke IEEPA, introducing 35 per cent tariffs on goods from Canada and other nations. However, the decision did not affect goods compliant under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), nor did it eliminate sector-specific duties on industries such as automobiles, lumber and metals.

Ford emphasized that while the court ruling is welcome news, Ontario workers are still being impacted by tariffs that remain in force.

“We need to watch how the White House reacts. We need to keep up the fight against tariffs on auto, steel, aluminum and forestry, which remain in place and continue to hurt our workers,” Ford wrote.

The premier added that his government is prepared to do “whatever it takes” to defend Ontario’s economy, workers, families and businesses.

Ontario’s economy is deeply integrated with U.S. markets, particularly in the automotive and manufacturing sectors. Industry leaders have warned that ongoing tariffs could disrupt supply chains, increase costs and threaten jobs on both sides of the border.

Toronto Focused on Economic Diversification

Meanwhile, Olivia Chow, Mayor of Toronto, said the city is continuing efforts to strengthen and diversify its local economy regardless of the tariff outcome.

Speaking at an unrelated news conference Friday, Chow said Toronto is expanding partnerships in the film and television sector as part of a broader diversification strategy.

“We are diversifying our approach so that tariff or no tariff, we have a stronger base,” Chow said. She also stressed the importance of supporting local businesses, noting that campaigns encouraging residents to shop local will continue.

Ongoing Trade Uncertainty

While the Supreme Court ruling has delivered partial relief, uncertainty remains over how the White House may respond and whether remaining tariffs could be expanded, reduced or maintained.

Ford’s comments signal that Ontario will continue pressing for the complete removal of all tariffs affecting Canadian industries. As cross-border trade tensions evolve, provincial and municipal leaders say protecting jobs and economic stability remains their top priority.