mark carney

Mark Carney Apologizes to Trump Over Ontario’s Anti-Tariff Ad: What Happened and Why It Matters

When Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney publicly apologized to U.S. President Donald Trump over a provocative anti-tariff ad aired in Ontario, it sent ripples through North American trade relations and political discourse. The incident, involving a 30-second television spot featuring former U.S. President Ronald Reagan, has become a flashpoint in the ongoing trade tensions between Canada and the United States.

But what exactly happened? Why did a political ad spark such a high-level diplomatic reaction? And what does it mean for Canada’s economic future?

Let’s unpack the story—using verified reports, official statements, and contextual background—to understand how a single ad turned into a major political moment.

What Actually Happened? The Main Narrative

At the center of the controversy is a provincial government ad aired by Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s administration on October 8, 2024, just days before the U.S. midterm elections. The ad, broadcast across Ontario and reportedly targeted at key U.S. markets, featured a clip of Ronald Reagan criticizing protectionism and warning against tariffs—timing and messaging that many interpreted as a veiled critique of President Trump’s aggressive trade policies.

The ad stated: “Protectionism is the enemy of economic growth,” echoing Reagan’s 1980s-era warnings about trade wars. While not directly naming Trump, the implication was clear: the current U.S. administration was undermining decades of economic cooperation between Canada and the U.S.

President Trump, however, saw it as a direct attack. In a series of social media posts and public remarks, he labeled the ad “crooked” and accused Canadian officials of interfering in U.S. domestic politics—specifically, attempting to sway the Supreme Court’s upcoming decision on the legality of his steel and aluminum tariffs.

“They’re trying to influence our Supreme Court with a political ad? That’s unacceptable,” Trump said during a rally in Ohio, according to Reuters.

The fallout was swift. Trump suspended trade talks with Canada, calling the ad a “disrespectful” act that violated diplomatic norms. This move threatened to delay progress on critical issues, including automotive tariffs, supply chain coordination, and energy exports.

Then came the apology.

At the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in late October 2024, Prime Minister Mark Carney confirmed in a public statement that he had personally apologized to President Trump during a dinner meeting. According to CBC and Reuters, Carney acknowledged that the ad had “offended” the U.S. president and expressed regret over its tone and timing.

“I made it clear to President Trump that the ad was not intended to undermine the United States or its leadership,” Carney said. “I apologized for the offense it caused and reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to a strong, respectful, and mutually beneficial relationship.”

This was not just a diplomatic gesture—it was a strategic move to prevent further escalation in a fragile trade environment.

Recent Updates: A Chronological Timeline of Key Events

Here’s a breakdown of the verified developments, based on official news reports from CBC, Reuters, and The Globe and Mail:

October 8, 2024

• Ontario government launches a 30-second TV ad featuring Ronald Reagan’s anti-protectionist remarks.
• The ad airs during prime time and targets U.S. border markets, including Detroit, Cleveland, and Buffalo.
• No direct mention of Trump, but the timing—just before a pivotal Supreme Court hearing on U.S. tariffs—raises eyebrows.

October 10–12, 2024

• President Trump tweets: “Canada is running a crooked ad using Reagan to attack me. They’re trying to influence our courts. Unbelievable!”
• The White House announces a temporary suspension of trade negotiations with Canada, citing “diplomatic disrespect.”

October 15, 2024

• Ontario Premier Doug Ford defends the ad, stating it was “about free trade, not politics.”
• Ford reveals he consulted with Prime Minister Carney and his chief of staff before airing the ad—but claims it was a “courtesy,” not an approval.

October 18, 2024

• Prime Minister Carney, speaking at a press conference in Ottawa, says he advised against the ad after reviewing it.
• “I told Premier Ford that while the message was valid, the delivery could be misconstrued,” Carney said, per CBC.

October 20–22, 2024 (APEC Summit, Manila)

• Carney and Trump meet for dinner at the APEC summit.
• During the meeting, Carney formally apologizes for the ad.
• Trump reportedly accepts the apology but emphasizes that “respect matters” in bilateral relations.

October 25, 2024

• Trade talks resume between Canada and the U.S., with officials from both sides confirming “constructive dialogue” is back on track.
• No formal statement on whether the apology was a condition for resuming talks, but insiders say it was a “critical step.”

November 1, 2024

• Reuters publishes a direct quote from Carney: “I apologized to President Trump because the ad offended him. That was not our intention.”

Contextual Background: Why This Ad Hit a Nerve

To understand why this ad caused such a stir, we need to look at the broader context of Canada-U.S. trade relations, political messaging, and the role of provincial governments in foreign affairs.

1. The Tariff Tensions Are Real

Since 2018, the U.S. has imposed 25% tariffs on Canadian steel and 10% on aluminum, citing national security concerns under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act. Canada responded with retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods, including whiskey, motorcycles, and orange juice.

While some tariffs were lifted in 2020 under the USMCA agreement, tensions flared again in 2024 when the U.S. announced new auto tariffs, threatening to disrupt integrated supply chains in Ontario and Michigan.

For Ontario—Canada’s manufacturing heartland—these tariffs could cost thousands of jobs and billions in GDP. That’s why Premier Ford felt compelled to act.

2. Provincial Governments and Foreign Policy

In Canada, foreign policy is a federal responsibility. However, provinces often engage in “paradiplomacy”—international outreach through trade missions, cultural exchanges, and, occasionally, political messaging.

But running ads in the U.S. that criticize American policy is rare and risky. As The Globe and Mail reported, the ad was shown in Detroit, a city with deep economic ties to Ontario’s auto industry. While many residents supported Canada’s stance on free trade, others saw the ad as interference.

“I get that Canada is worried about tariffs, but using Reagan to bash Trump? That’s playing politics,” said one Detroit auto worker quoted in The Globe and Mail.

3. The Reagan Factor

Using Ronald Reagan—a Republican icon—to criticize a Republican president is a strategic irony. Reagan championed free trade and opposed protectionism, making his words a powerful rhetorical weapon.

But Trump supporters view Reagan’s legacy as one of economic nationalism and strength, not globalism. By invoking Reagan, the ad inadvertently challenged Trump’s own narrative of being a defender of American industry.

4. The Supreme Court Angle

Trump’s claim that the ad was meant to “interfere” with the Supreme Court is unverified. However, the timing was suspicious. The Court was set to hear a case on the constitutionality of Trump’s tariffs—a decision that could reshape U.S. trade policy.

While there’s no evidence the ad was coordinated with U.S. political actors, the optics were damaging. In U.S. politics, perceived foreign interference is a red line.

Immediate Effects: What Changed After the Apology?

The apology didn’t just calm diplomatic waters—it had real-world consequences.

1. Trade Talks Resume

Within days of the apology, Canadian and U.S. officials restarted negotiations on auto tariffs and supply chain coordination. The White House confirmed that “the door is open” for a new bilateral agreement.

2. Political Fallout in Ontario

Premier Doug Ford faced criticism from both sides of the political spectrum. Some praised him for standing up for Ontario’s economy. Others accused him of overstepping and damaging Canada’s relationship with its largest trading partner.