“When they attack our country, when they attack our people, when they attack the jobs of hard-working Canadians, you cannot sit back and say, ‘Keep on attacking,'” declared Ontario Premier Doug Ford at a January 15th meeting with Canada’s Premiers and Prime Minister over what to do about Trump’s threats to use “economic force,” including crippling tariffs, to annex Canada & turn it into a 51st U.S. state. “You have to hit back with every single tool in our toolbox.”
A Commentary by Niagara At Large reporter/publisher Doug Draper
Posted January 15th, 2025 on Niagara At Large
Ontario Premier Doug Ford is seizing the moment in the fight against Trump’s threats against Canada.
If you follow history, you may very well know that it is quite often the case that when people see their country’s security and sovereignty being threatened by an outside force, they will, at least temporarily, put their differences on other issues aside and rally behind whoever looks like the strongest leader they have to fight back.
At the moment, at least, with Donald Trump just days away from being sworn in for a second term as U.S. president, and with him continuing to threaten Canada with sweeping 25 per cent trade tariffs that could crater our economy to a point where many here are begging for relief – even if that means becoming “the 51st state,”- many may also see Ontario Premier Doug Ford as the leader most likely to protect us.
Indeed, there was Ford at a summit of Canadian premiers, also attended this January 15th by Canada’s lame-duck prime minister, Justin Trudeau, wearing a “Canada Is Not For Sale” hat and standing there like a gunslinger, urging the others around the table to fight back with whatever punitive measures are necessary to stop Trump in his tracks.
In contrast to Doug Ford’s “take-nothing-off-the table” stance, Alberta Premier, seen here meeting with Trump at his Mar-a-Loga estate earlier this January, wants her province’s tar sands oil off the table as any weapon Canada can use to fight back in a tariff war with the U.S.
Contrast that with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, for example, who wants to see sales of tar sands oil to the U.S. “carved out” of any tariffs Canada might fight back with, even if doing that hurts the rest of the country.
Ford had a reputation of being a bully when he was a member of Toronto’s city council and his late brother, Rob, was the mayor and, to put a spin on an old saying, it may take someone who has had practice playing the bully to defend Canada against a bully like Donald Trump.
As much as it pains me to say this, as one who has never shied away from expressing my view that Ford has been terrible on a whole host of important issues like health care, affordable housing, conserving our natural heritage, and on renewable energy and climate change, if he calls a snap election any time soon, he and his Conservatives may just win a third term as a government in a landslide.
And Trump’s threats, unfortunately, will play no small part in delivering Ford that victory.
Excuse me now while, in defiance of doctor’s orders, I go pour myself a good stiff drink.
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Doug Draper, Niagara At Large
For a related story on this issue, click on – Ford says Canada must hit back hard against Trump and use ‘every single tool in our toolbox’ | CBC News
NIAGARA AT LARGE Encourages You To Join The Conversation By Sharing Your Views On This Post In The Space Following The Bernie Sanders Quote Below.
“A Politician Thinks Of The Next Election. A Leader Thinks Of The Next Generation.” – Bernie Sanders
Niagara At Large 
Probably the only time in my life I will ever agree with Ford. I hope that doesn’t mean he’ll get re-elected though.
Smith thought she would get special treatment for Alberta and even enlisted Kevin O’Leary for backup. She and some Albertans seem to think they would somehow be exempt via surreptitious dealings but she found out otherwise. Trump sent Smith home with her tail between her legs like a whipped dog. The same Smith who invited Tucker Carlson to Alberta for a speaking engagement. Maybe she could get a job in the Trump administration, perhaps as a negotiator. She obviously isn’t qualified so should fit right in with his other appointees.
Ontario has its auto sector to protect. Quebec its energy sector. Every province could run to Trump begging for special treatment. She was the only one.
During a war, nobody cares which province someone is from in a foxhole. You have to fight together. That is a lesson she needs to learn for Alberta and all of Canada. She is a traitor.
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It’s ironic that Ford is preaching “Team Canada” while wearing a hat that ONLY he has. What kind of team captain does that? Reminds me of “There is no “I” in TEAM.” Ford should have given each Premier and the Prime Minister a hat to really showcase the Team! Instead, we see him for who he really is — someone seeking the spotlight, not being a team leader!
Dave Augustyn
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