Doug Ford says Ontario PCs would help tear down Canada’s internal trade barriers

By Canadian Press on February 20, 2025.

Progressive Conservative Leader Doug Ford says his party will work to tear down interprovincial trade barriers amid ongoing U.S. tariff threats, as he prepares for his second trip to Washington, D.C., during the Ontario election campaign.

Ford says a PC government would remove all of Ontario’s remaining party-specific exemptions under the Canada Free Trade Agreement, enable direct-to-consumer alcohol sales with all willing provinces and territories, and recognize certifications across the country for workers in key sectors such as trucking, among other measures.

Ford took questions from reporters on the campaign trail today for the first time in 10 days, after bringing out Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston – who also bemoaned internal trade and labour mobility barriers – for his announcement in Milton, Ont.

Ford waved off a question about his notable lack of public events in the province since Feb. 10 aside from the two leaders’ debates, saying he’s out in front of the people “more than anyone.”

Meanwhile, NDP Leader Marit Stiles cast her ballot today as advance voting opened, while Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie is making a speech at the Canadian Club in Toronto.

Ford is heading to the U.S. capital again tomorrow for another round of meetings, just days before the Feb. 27 snap election he called.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 20, 2025.

The Canadian Press