Ontario says it is prepared to support manufacturers caught in the crossfire of the U.S. decision to not renovate CUSMA, but industry groups say the province's ability to offset the damage is limited unless Ottawa can secure long-term trade certainty with Washington.
Although Queen's Park can direct procurement toward Ontario-made products, offer financing and investment incentives, and streamline regulations, trade policy remains the exclusive responsibility of the federal government.
The Premier’s office didn’t confirm by deadline if Premier Ford already had a call with the Prime Minister on the topic.