Ontario Premier Seeks Apology Over US Tariff Remarks

The exchange, which CBC News described as "vitriolic and profane," occurred between US Ambassador Pete Hoekstra and Ontario Trade Representative David Paterson over a TV ad criticizing Trump's tariffs.

 Calling the comment "absolutely unacceptable" and "inappropriate for an ambassador," Ford urged Hoekstra to make amends. "Pete, you need to call Dave and apologize. That's simple," Ford said. 

Last week, President Trump suspended trade talks with Canada over the ad and threatened to impose an additional 10% tariff on Canadian imported goods. 

"You know, the cheese slipped off the cracker. I get it," Ford said at a press conference on Wednesday, referring to Hoekstra's outburst. "You're angry, but call that guy because you're a good guy, and Dave is my supporter."

The ad, paid for by the Ontario government, uses a quote from Reagan saying that tariffs "hurt every American," and is taken from excerpts from the former president's 1987 national radio address focused on foreign trade.

Ford wanted to use the ad to influence public opinion on tariffs in conservative, Trump-supporting areas. The Prime Minister has said the ad had "over a billion impressions" and was seen by viewers worldwide.

"What do they expect me to do? Sit back and toss and turn like everyone else in the world," he said.

The ad also aired during the first two World Series games between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Los Angeles Dodgers, which Ford described as "the most successful ad in North American history."

"They're talking about it in the US, and they weren't talking about it before I put up the ad," Ford said.

 But it has disappointed many in the Trump administration, especially President Donald Trump, who threatened to raise an "additional" 10% tariff on Canada after Ford's action. 

When Trump was asked to elaborate on the additional tariffs, he said, "I don't know when it will be implemented, and we'll see, but I really don't want to discuss it."

 Canadian goods currently face a 35% tariff, although most are exempt under existing free trade agreements. However, some sectors have separate tariffs, including 50% on steel and aluminum and 25% on automobiles.

 On Wednesday, the US Senate approved a resolution blocking Trump's tariffs on Canada.

The 50-46 vote will end the national emergency used to impose tariffs on some Canadian goods.

But the measure is unlikely to get the necessary support in the US House of Representatives.