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Ford Attacks Canada-China Trade Deal

  //automotive-transportation.news-articles.net/co .. /01/17/ford-attacks-canada-china-trade-deal.html
  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Saturday, January 17th 2026 at 15:31 GMT by Detroit News

Toronto, ON - January 17th, 2026 - Ontario Premier Doug Ford has launched a blistering attack on the recently finalized Canada-China trade deal, asserting it poses a significant threat to the province's vital automotive sector and the livelihoods of tens of thousands of workers. Ford's vocal opposition, expressed in a recent interview with CTV News Toronto, underscores a growing anxiety within Ontario regarding the potential economic consequences of the agreement.

The crux of Ford's concern lies in the deal's provisions for reduced tariffs on a wide range of goods, notably including vehicles. While proponents of the trade agreement highlight potential benefits for Canadian consumers and exporters, Ford paints a starkly different picture, predicting a deluge of inexpensive, Chinese-made vehicles entering the Canadian market. He argues this influx would directly undermine Ontario's established auto manufacturing industry, a cornerstone of the province's economy.

"This is a real kick in the teeth to our auto workers," Ford stated emphatically. His concerns aren't just about abstract economic theory; they represent a tangible fear for the families who depend on the auto industry. Ontario's automotive sector supports a vast network of jobs, both directly within manufacturing plants and indirectly through supplier companies and related services. The prospect of these jobs being lost to overseas competition is a deeply unsettling one.

The timing of this trade deal is particularly sensitive. The Canadian automotive industry is already navigating a period of profound and rapid transformation. The global shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) is reshaping the automotive landscape, demanding substantial investment in new technologies, infrastructure, and workforce training. Canadian manufacturers are grappling with the challenge of remaining competitive in this evolving environment while simultaneously facing increasing pressure from foreign automakers, many of whom benefit from significant government subsidies and economies of scale.

The current situation presents a double-edged sword. While the transition to EVs offers opportunities for innovation and growth, it also exposes vulnerabilities. Canadian manufacturers must invest heavily to adapt, and the prospect of a sudden influx of cheaper vehicles from China only exacerbates the challenge.

Ford's call for a review of the trade deal and collaborative efforts with the federal government to safeguard Ontario's auto sector reflects a broader pushback against the agreement. Business groups and labor unions have also voiced concerns, echoing Ford's worries about the potential for damage to domestic industries. The Premier's intention to personally discuss the matter with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau highlights the seriousness with which he views the issue. A formal review would allow for a more detailed examination of the deal's potential impacts, particularly focusing on mitigation strategies to protect vulnerable sectors.

Beyond immediate tariff reductions, a deeper concern revolves around China's broader economic practices. Questions remain regarding fair trade practices, intellectual property protection, and potential market distortions that could further disadvantage Canadian manufacturers. Ford's statements implicitly raise these issues, suggesting a need for greater scrutiny of China's commercial behavior.

The Premier's criticism has placed the federal government in a defensive posture. While official responses from Prime Minister Trudeau and Trade Minister Mary Ng are still pending, the pressure is on to address the concerns raised by Ford and other stakeholders. The government faces a delicate balancing act: fulfilling trade commitments while protecting the livelihoods of Canadian workers and preserving the competitiveness of key industries. The coming weeks will likely see increased dialogue and scrutiny surrounding the Canada-China trade deal and its potential repercussions for Ontario's auto sector.