Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has issued a public apology to US President Donald Trump after an Ontario-funded advertisement criticizing tariffs featured a quote from former President Ronald Reagan. The incident has strained recent trade discussions between the two countries.
Trade Talks Suspended Over Advert
The controversy began last week when Trump suspended trade negotiations with Canada and threatened to impose an additional 10% tariff on imports from the country. The decision came after the advert aired during the first two World Series games between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Los Angeles Dodgers. The commercial included Reagan’s 1987 statement that “trade barriers hurt every American worker and consumer.”
Carney’s Apology at APEC Summit
Speaking at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in South Korea, Carney said, “I did apologise to the president.” He explained that the advert was not something he supported and acknowledged that Trump was offended by its content. Carney also confirmed that Ontario Premier Doug Ford had shown him the clip beforehand, and he had advised against releasing it. Despite this warning, Ford’s administration went ahead, funding and airing the advert.
Trump’s Reaction and Political Fallout
Trump told reporters that while he appreciated the apology, he still viewed the advert as inappropriate. “We have a very good relationship,” Trump said, “but what he did was wrong.” The commercial quickly went viral, with Ford boasting that it had received “one billion views” worldwide and even reached audiences in the UK and India.
Diplomatic Tensions Escalate
The fallout reportedly led to an angry exchange between US envoy Pete Hoekstra and Ontario trade representative David Paterson, which sources described as an “expletive-laced tirade.” Ford later said Hoekstra’s remarks were “absolutely unacceptable” and demanded an apology to Paterson.
Broader Context on US-Canada Tariffs
Since Trump took office, his administration has expanded tariffs on several countries, including Canada. While a free trade agreement exempts most Canadian goods, specific sectors face steep duties — 50% on steel and aluminium and 25% on automobiles. Trump also accused Canada of interfering in a US Supreme Court case examining the legality of his broader tariff policy against Canada, Mexico, China, and other nations.
The incident underscores the fragile nature of US-Canada trade relations and the growing political sensitivity around protectionist policies.
