N※N

Ford Slams Canada-China Trade Deal

  //automotive-transportation.news-articles.net/co .. 26/01/17/ford-slams-canada-china-trade-deal.html
  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Saturday, January 17th 2026 at 15:39 GMT
      Locale: UNITED STATES, CANADA, CHINA

TORONTO, ON - January 17th, 2026 - Ontario Premier Doug Ford is escalating his public criticism of the recently renewed Canada-China trade agreement, raising significant concerns about its potential ramifications for the province's vital automotive industry and the livelihoods of its workers. Ford's rebuke of Foreign Minister Melanie Joly and the federal government's negotiation tactics has ignited a new round of political sparring and underscores a widening rift in trade policy.

The renewed agreement, announced last week, aims to remove trade barriers and foster new opportunities for Canadian businesses. Federal officials have touted the deal as a boon for the national economy, envisioning increased exports and strengthened commercial ties. However, Premier Ford's administration views the arrangement as a detrimental step, arguing it fails to provide adequate safeguards for Ontario's automotive manufacturing base and unfairly benefits China.

"I don't think it's right," Ford declared at a recent press conference, expressing a deep frustration shared by many within the province's auto sector. "I think it's a slap in the face to our auto workers here in Ontario and across Canada." The Premier's remarks were particularly pointed, highlighting a perception that the federal government has prioritized diplomatic relations over the protection of Canadian jobs and economic interests.

The crux of Ford's argument centers on China's rapidly expanding electric vehicle (EV) and automotive component production capacity. Ford contends that the renewed trade agreement effectively grants China even greater access to the Canadian market, intensifying existing competitive pressures on Ontario's manufacturers. The Premier's concern isn't unfounded; the global automotive landscape has undergone a radical shift in recent years, with China emerging as a dominant force in EV production and increasingly influencing global supply chains. The influx of affordable, often subsidized, Chinese-made vehicles is already impacting domestic production and threatening job security.

"I think it's just a giveaway to China," Ford stated bluntly. "We're already seeing China flood the market with electric vehicles and other products, and this just opens the door for them to do even more." This assessment aligns with anxieties echoed by labour unions representing auto workers across Ontario, who have voiced fears of potential job losses and plant closures should the agreement exacerbate the existing challenges facing the industry.

Ford's criticism extends beyond mere disapproval. He is actively calling on the federal government to revisit the terms of the agreement and prioritize measures that safeguard Canadian jobs and bolster the competitiveness of Ontario's auto sector. This includes advocating for stricter regulations on imported goods, provisions to address state-sponsored subsidies in China, and increased investment in Canadian automotive innovation and workforce training.

The Premier's stance reflects a broader political dynamic, characterized by a growing tension between the provincial and federal governments on trade policy with China. While the federal government aims to maintain a balance between economic opportunity and geopolitical considerations, Ontario's perspective is heavily focused on the immediate impact on its key industries and the vulnerability of its workforce. This disagreement is further complicated by the complex geopolitical landscape, with ongoing concerns about China's human rights record and its increasingly assertive foreign policy.

The automotive industry represents a cornerstone of Ontario's economy, employing hundreds of thousands of people directly and indirectly. Any threat to its stability carries significant consequences for the province's economic health and the well-being of countless families. Ford's public challenge to the federal government signifies a heightened level of concern and a willingness to publicly confront the federal government on a critical economic issue. The coming months will likely see further debate and pressure as both levels of government navigate the complexities of this trade relationship and grapple with the potential repercussions for Ontario's auto sector.