Premier Doug Ford focusing in on U.S. relations as presidential race heats up [Video]

Ontario Premier Doug Ford is “ramping up” relations with American governors and senators ahead of the U.S. presidential election and crucial renegotiations of the North American free trade deal.

Speaking at the Toronto Region Board of Trade on Thursday, Ford indicated that his government is trying to get ahead of the potential disruption by forging ties with state-level politicians in the hopes that they endorse Ontario’s new ‘buy North America’ strategy.

“We need to do everything we can to shore up our support … now more than ever before,” Ford told the audience. “We need to foster an environment of co-operation and ensure a fair, open market.”

Kory Teneycke, who serves as campaign manager for the Progressive Conservative Party, suggested the premier is concerned about a “protectionist world order that’s coming into place” and is attempting to position Ontario to be in lockstep with the U.S.

“Whether it’s (Kamala) Harris or (Donald) Trump, the …