Ford defends his anti-tariff trip to Washington amid criticism from campaign rivals [Video]

Progressive Conservative Leader Doug Ford was in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday to make Ontario’s case against U.S. tariffs, while the other major parties continued campaigning across the province.

Ford is in the U.S. capitol, along with other provincial leaders, in his capacity as premier of Ontario and chair of the Council of the Federation. The trip comes at the mid-point of a snap election campaign that Ford triggered, but he said it was necessary to persuade American lawmakers that Canada and its southern neighbour are “stronger together.”

Ford said he hopes the message will make its way to U.S. President Donald Trump, who Ford called “one of the best negotiators in the world.”

On Monday, Trump followed through on his threat to impose 25 per cent tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports, including from Canadaand Mexico. The levies came despite agreements made by Trump with both countries just last week to …