Ontario Premier Doug Ford urged more proactive measures at the Canada-U.S. border following a meeting that brought together Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau with provincial premiers to discuss trade issues related to Donald Trump's return to the White House.

Ford emphasized the need to strengthen measures to ensure trade fairness, pointing to concerns about Mexico's role in allowing Chinese goods to enter through the border in ways that evade U.S. and Canadian tariffs. He also mentioned the possibility of considering a bilateral trade agreement with the United States if Mexico does not align with the tariff policies imposed on Chinese imports.

In contrast, Trudeau affirmed the importance of cooperation between Canada, the United States, and Mexico to collectively address trade concerns, stressing the necessity of maintaining the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) while protecting Canadian economic interests. The meeting also discussed the potential for stronger actions to combat unfair trade practices and secure jobs within Canada.

On the other hand, Canadian Minister of Government Relations Dominic LeBlanc reaffirmed the federal government's commitment to enhancing border security and reassuring Canadians about the effectiveness of current measures. LeBlanc clarified that there is potential for additional investment to ensure the continued implementation of all necessary security measures. He described the discussion with provincial premiers as "positive," noting the importance of demonstrating a clear and tangible law enforcement presence at the border.

LeBlanc pointed to the role of federal policing units such as the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), which work in coordination with partners from provincial and municipal levels to ensure border security and combat cross-border crimes.

In this context, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Chrystia Freeland participated in the discussions as chair of the cabinet committee on Canada-U.S. relations. Responding to criticisms from Ontario Premier Doug Ford regarding the federal government's border policies, Freeland emphasized the importance of unity, stating, "We need to be strong, smart, and united."

This dialogue reflects the government's efforts to enhance cooperation between federal and provincial parties, especially amid increasing challenges related to trade and security across the border with the United States.