CUSMA Renegotiation in Focus After Trump Targets Canada Following China Deal
As economic tensions rise between the U.S. and Canada, Prime Minister Mark Carney began the week with an affordability announcement in Ottawa on Monday.
Over the weekend, U.S. President Donald Trump reverted to calling Carney “governor” and threatened additional tariffs on Canada for making a trade deal with China.
Meanwhile, Carney and Industry Minister Melanie Joly travelled to Toronto to meet with Ontario Premier Doug Ford to further discuss the federal government’s auto strategy.
Here were the highlights from Jan. 26, 2026:
Doug Ford calls federal auto strategy ‘great’
Ontario Premier Doug Ford appears to have had a change of heart when it comes to the federal government’s auto strategy after hearing more about it from federal officials.
“I also want to thank Minister Joly for coming up with a great auto strategy that the minister has put together that we’re going to be part of,” Ford said at a news conference with Joly at Queen’s Park Monday after the two met.
While the two did not unveil specifics, Ford said he still believes any countries bringing vehicles into Canada should support existing Canadian auto workers.
“If companies are going to come in, no matter if it’s from China or over in Europe or over in Asia there, we have one request; build the vehicles here, protect the auto sector,” Ford said. “Make sure you get your parts here. Make sure we get the technology here. Make sure you follow the guidelines.”
Joly said the federal government is creating an “auto task force” to coordinate between Ottawa and the provinces and agreed Canada does not want to see any erosion of its manufacturing sector.
She also said the conditions for Chinese-made EVs to come into Canada will be unveiled in the coming weeks.
This article was first reported by CTV News
