Doug Ford Urges U.S.-Canada Trade Deal Excluding Mexico

05 Apr, 2025

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has suggested that the United States and Canada should consider forming a bilateral trade agreement without including Mexico. Speaking amid ongoing debates about trade dynamics in North America, Ford emphasized that Canada and the U.S. have closely aligned economic interests and could benefit from a more streamlined deal that excludes the complexities introduced by a trilateral agreement

Ford’s comments come at a time when political tensions and trade-related concerns are resurfacing, particularly regarding the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). He argued that certain provisions and obligations within the USMCA are not always favorable to Canadian industries, and that Canada may be better served by focusing on a direct partnership with the U.S. to boost trade, manufacturing, and resource-sharing between the two nations

According to Ford, Canada and the United States share more common ground in sectors like automotive manufacturing, energy, and agriculture. He noted that the two countries have historically worked well together on trade matters and could forge an even stronger economic bond if allowed to negotiate independently of Mexico’s involvement

The Ontario Premier also expressed concerns over labor and environmental standards in Mexico, suggesting that uneven enforcement and regulatory gaps create challenges for fair competition. These differences, he argued, make it harder for Canadian and American businesses to operate on a level playing field under the current three-nation framework

While Ford’s remarks may not reflect the official stance of Canada’s federal government, they highlight growing dissatisfaction with certain aspects of the USMCA. His call for a U.S.-Canada-only trade agreement could add pressure on policymakers to re-evaluate the structure and terms of the current trade pact

The suggestion also aligns with broader calls in both Canada and the U.S. for more flexible, bilateral trade arrangements that better reflect national economic priorities and domestic industry concerns.

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