Ontario is set to launch a $75 million advertising campaign aimed at countering U.S. tariffs, particularly in Republican-held districts. The campaign will feature excerpts from a 1987 speech by former President Ronald Reagan, in which he advocated for free trade and criticized tariffs as detrimental to innovation and U.S. workers. Premier Doug Ford previewed the ad during a speech in Toronto, stating, "We’re going to launch a $75 million ad and we’re going to repeat that message at every Republican district there is."

The ad campaign is scheduled to begin within the next two weeks and will run through January. It will be broadcast on various networks, including Newsmax, Fox, NBC, CBS, and business news channels like CNBC and Bloomberg Television.

Ontario's economy has faced significant challenges due to tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, particularly affecting the province's steel and automotive industries. In September, Ontario's unemployment rate rose to 7.9%, up from 7% a year earlier. The rate is even higher in cities like Windsor and Oshawa, where auto manufacturing is a major source of employment.

Ford has been vocal about the negative impact of these tariffs, emphasizing the need for Ontario to respond effectively. He remarked, "You can’t get rolled over by this guy," referring to Trump.

The ad features Reagan warning about the dangers of high tariffs, stating, "High tariffs inevitably lead to retaliation by foreign countries and the triggering of fierce trade wars. Then the worst happens: Markets shrink and collapse, businesses and industries shut down and millions of people lose their jobs."

Ford's office confirmed that the ad will begin airing on various platforms, although CNN may not approve it for broadcast. The campaign comes amid ongoing trade discussions between Canada and the U.S., with Prime Minister Mark Carney working to address the tariffs. Ford expressed support for Carney's efforts, acknowledging the challenging position he is in while also stressing the importance of standing firm against U.S. trade policies.