The Empire Club of Canada
Premier Doug Ford didn’t hold back. In his address, Delivering Our Plan to Protect Ontario, he came out swinging — with urgency, confidence, and trademark determination. Amid rising U.S. protectionism and global uncertainty, Ford’s message was unmistakable: Ontario isn’t playing defense. It’s on offense — driving growth, trade, and opportunity.
“We’re an economic powerhouse,” Ford declared, pointing to Ontario’s strength in energy, critical minerals, auto, steel, and aluminum. From manufacturing to mining, he framed the province as the engine of North American production.
With Donald Trump again taking aim at Canada, Ford pushed back hard:
“Make a deal with Canada — your number one customer in the entire world.”
It was both a challenge and a reminder — that America’s prosperity depends on its northern neighbour’s success.
But Ford wasn’t just talking cross-border trade. He highlighted Ontario’s success in tearing down internal trade barriers, noting the province led the country by signing an agreement with 11 provinces and territories — a landmark step toward a seamless national economy.
At home, he turned his attention to cutting red tape and speeding up development.
“We have to fix the plumbing of Ontario’s economy,” he said. “We need full-scale permitting reform right across the board.”
Public safety was another key theme. Ford doubled down on his push for mandatory minimum sentences for violent offenders and shared a personal story about physically confronting a thief at a Home Depot — a moment that underscored his hands-on, tough-on-crime approach.
And when it comes to leadership, Ford kept it simple: results over politics.
“I don’t give two hoots about political stripes.”
Moderator Ben Mulroney agreed:
“You have demonstrated an ability to work with anybody.”
The tone of the event? Less partisan clash — more call for collaboration.
For Businesses:
Ford’s permitting overhaul could shave months — even years — off project timelines. For industries like critical minerals, construction, and clean energy, that means less bureaucracy and more building.
For Policymakers:
Expect pressure to deliver — on both permitting reform and interprovincial trade. The task now is to move faster without sacrificing standards or cooperation.
For Communities:
Economic growth brings new jobs, infrastructure, and housing — but also a sharper focus on safety. Tougher sentencing may boost public confidence, though it’s sure to reignite debate over rehabilitation and fairness.
Doug Ford’s message was all about action and accountability. By prioritizing energy, trade, infrastructure, and public safety, he’s betting on Ontario’s ability to lead — and to keep building.
“I’ll work with anyone… it doesn’t matter if it’s an NDP mayor or a Liberal leader,” he said.
And judging by the applause, Ontario seems ready to get to work.