Ontario Premier Doug Ford holds a press conference regarding the new tariffs that the United States has placed on Canada, at Queen’s Park in Toronto on Tuesday, March 4, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette
The economic uncertainty created by U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs permeated Ontario’s throne speech Tuesday, a ceremonial offering intended to set the new provincial government’s agenda and tone.
The speech, delivered by Lt.-Gov. Edith Dumont, kicks off the new session of Premier Doug Ford’s third majority government. It leaned heavily on the theme of Ford’s successful election campaign, which tied the tariff threat to nearly every sector, from mining to manufacturing to housing.
“For decades, Ontario and Canada have relied on free trade with the United States to deliver unprecedented economic growth and prosperity,” the government said in its speech.
“The last few months, however, have taught us that we can no longer assume the benefits …