Doug Ford says 'count me in' for new solution to mitigate tariff threats

Doug Ford made his stand against Donald Trump's tariffs a cornerstone of his platform as he sought — and won — re-election as premier, and among other steps the province plans to take if and when the levies come into effect, it seems the Ontario leader is on board withone strategic piece of legislation.

Tim Houston, Ford's Nova Scotian counterpart, has just floated The Free Trade and Mobility within Canada Act, a new set of trade-related regulations meant to help foster the Canadian economy after Trump slams all Canadian imports with 25 per cent duties next week.

Under the rules, Nova Scotia will treat all goods from elsewhere in Canada as if they were produced locally, "eliminating any additional fees or testing requirements" that presently exist.

Likewise, professionals accredited in other provinces will be treated as if they were licenced in Nova Scotia, "ensuring that businesses providing services can operate across provincial borders without the burden of additional licensing or certification."

In a press release about urgently removing trade barriers across Canada on Tuesday, Houston said "We want other provinces and territories to know that Nova Scotia is open for business, [and] we're ready to partner with other Canadian jurisdictions who are ready to do business with us."

"This legislation just makes sense. It will allow goods and services to be sold in Nova Scotia without further testing or red tape and puts trust in other provinces and territories that have appropriate requirements to keep people safe," he continued.

Count me in. https://t.co/kIcc8AirCf

— Doug Ford (@fordnation) February 26, 2025

On the eve of Ontario's general election, Ford shared the Atlantic premier's X post about his new motion, stating, simply, "Count me in," suggesting Ontario will take Nova Scotia up on its offer of doing more business, and may even follow suit with a similar bill.

As Ford said in his remarks after his win Thursday, "As we stare down the threat of Donald Trump's tariffs... I will work with every level of government and every political stripe. Because fighting back against Donald Trump, standing up for Canada, it will take a full team Ontario effort and it will take a full Team Canada effort."