Ontario premier calls Trump’s Canada wildfire tariff threat ‘unacceptable’

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has criticized President Trump for threatening to increase tariffs on Canada over wildfire smoke drifting into the United States, calling his comments “absolutely unacceptable.”

Ford responded Saturday after Trump accused Canada of failing to properly maintain its forests and threatened to add the cost of smoke pollution to existing tariffs.

“We are holding Canada responsible for the fact that they are not properly maintaining their forests and brush therein, and the United States is being unnecessarily invaded by filthy, polluted and unhealthy air,” Trump wrote Friday.

Trump described Canada’s forest management as “willful negligence” and said the smoke was becoming a yearly problem that costs the United States billions of dollars. He also said he would call Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to discuss the issue.

Ford said the Trump administration and members of Congress should not threaten or criticize Canada as it deals with the fires.

“One day, it’s going to be your turn, and we’re going to be down there without hesitation to support our neighbors,” Ford said. “Americans love Canadians, and we Canadians love Americans, but to make the comments they did through the administration is unacceptable. Absolutely unacceptable.”

Ford then suggested that Trump remove U.S. tariffs on Canadian softwood lumber, arguing that increased exports would help Canada clear more trees from its forests.

“I’ve got an idea for President Trump: Why don’t you get rid of the softwood lumber tariffs?” Ford said. “Thirty to 33% of the lumber you use in building comes from Canada. You want us to clear the forests? Well, open up the gates. Let’s start shipping softwood lumber down there.”