Public Safety Minister commends Ontario Premier for pro-Canada outreach

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OTTAWA — Canada’s public safety minister offered an “attaboy” to Ontario’s premier for his recent Canada-U.S. outreach work.

Questioned outside of a Friday morning caucus meeting in West Block, Public Safety Minister David McGuinty was asked if Ford’s outreach — which has included numerous comments and interviews on American news channels — was a distraction to federal efforts to push back against President Donald Trump’s tariff threats.

“I commend Premier Ford’s efforts in trying to make a difference with our Canada-U.S. relationship right now, ” McGuinty said.

“I hope it’ll continue, because we need to continue as Team Canada on this.”

With Prime Minister Justin Trudeau going into hiding since announcing his resignation and proroguing parliament, it’s been left to Canada’s premiers to be Canada’s voice during the tariff tussle.

Also active on the file is Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, who visited Trump a week ago at Mar-a-Lago in an attempt to convince Trump to spare Canada.

Ford has promised a number of retaliatory measures if the tariffs ever materialize, including removing American brands from the LCBO and cutting off Ontario-border states from vital Canadian electricity exports.

“Ontario has a major role, about half of Canada’s economy, so I’m hopeful that’ll continue,” McGuinty said.

While McGuinty has yet to meet with members of the Trump Administration, he said a meeting is planned with his counterparts in the coming weeks.

bpassifiume@postmedia.com
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