Ontario Liberals proposing multi-party response to threat of tariffs

Donald Trump’s threat of 25 per cent tariffs would level a significant economic blow to our province. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce forecasts that these tariffs would shrink our economy by 2.6 per cent. This will raise costs for every single Ontarian and cut incomes by almost $2,000 a yearr.

Rather than getting Ontario ready to fight back against these tariffs, the Legislature has been closed and Doug Ford’s staff and advisors are spending their time preparing for an unnecessary early election.

In fact, in the past seven months Doug Ford has only had the Legislature sit for a grand total of seven weeks.

Despite the fact that 2.5 million Ontarians are without a family doctor, including 14,000 here in Orléans…

Despite the highest unemployment in a decade (before the threat of tariffs)…

Despite Ontario losing tens of thousands of construction and manufacturing jobs (before the threat of tariffs)…

Despite housing starts in Ottawa and across Ontario falling far below targets to help get affordability under control…

Despite skyrocketing grocery prices, hydro prices and record use of food banks across the province…

And despite overcrowded schools and underfunded classrooms, Doug Ford has had the legislature sit for seven weeks to debate and propose solutions to these and other important issues facing Ontario.

Now is exactly the time for the Legislature to be sitting. For our leaders to be working together to shape a response to Donald Trump. A response that will protect Canadian jobs, families and businesses.

That is why Ontario Liberals have proposed a “multi-party task force” to “transparently discuss Ontario’s approach and response to the tariff threat and present a united front to the people of Ontario.

We can’t afford to lose a few months battling an election, swearing in a new government and forming a new parliament before we respond to the economic hardships Donald Trumps tariffs will impose.

Our response to the Americans must be immediate. It must be hard. And it must hit them where it hurts.

This can’t be done if the largest economy in the country is paralysed from action because the Ford Government called an election a year early.

Mr. Ford has a majority government. The opposi-tion has said we would support a response to the Americas including the funds necessary to support Ontario businesses and families through the hardship.

It’s time for Mr. Ford and his government to recall the legislature, roll up their sleeves and work together with the other parties so that we can protect Ontario families, Ontario jobs and Ontario businesses.