Ford’s Approval Ratings Climb After Tensions with Trump

Estimated 6 minutes

Just a few days after a fiery exchange with U. S. President Donald Trump, Ontario Premier Doug Ford asked Ontario board chairs to start supporting local businesses instead of American ones. This comes as a recent survey shows an increase in approval ratings for Ford and his Progressive Conservatives this month.

In a memo sent to the chairpersons and shared on social media platform X Wednesday morning, Ford emphasized their duty to back local businesses and adhere to the province’s Buy Ontario policies due to “unjustified tariff increases.”

“We can make the difference for a company that might otherwise be forced to close its doors or lay off employees as a result of these tariffs,” said Ford.

Approval for Ford’s Progressive Conservatives has rebounded amid the breakdown in U. S.-Canada negotiations this month, giving the party a four-point lead over the Ontario Liberals among decided and leaning voters, according to a new survey by Liaison Strategies. The poll gathered responses from 1,500 Ontarians from Aug. 23 to 24 during the latest tariff news.

Trade talks fell apart between the U. S. and Canada last week, prompting the U. S. to impose 50 percent tariffs Saturday on around $28 billion worth of Canadian goods. Prime Minister Mark Carney subsequently pledged retaliatory tariffs set for Sept 8.

While Ford’s approval rating rose by 12 points this month, David Valentin, principal at Liaison Strategies, noted that still 61 percent of respondents disapprove of his performance as premier.

“In other words, Ford is much less damaged than he was a month ago, but he is still deeply underwater. The party is in a better place than the Premier personally,” he mentioned in a news release about the survey.

WATCH | How is Ontario handling the fallout of U. S.-Canada trade negotiations:

Here’s how Ontario is responding to U. S. tariffs

Premier Doug Ford called U. S. President Donald Trump a ‘dictator’ and told him he can ‘kiss my ass’ during a news conference in Hamilton Monday amid ongoing tensions from the Canada-U. S. trade war. CBC’s Shawn Jeffords breaks down what’s happening.

The change in poll numbers follows last month’s hotel expense scandal where several PC caucus members from Toronto faced criticism for charging taxpayers thousands for hotel stays in their own city. Ford stated that he did not approve that spending, was unaware it was happening, and instructed members to pay back taxpayers for those costs.

This isn’t the only scandal over the past year; there was also Ford’s controversial decision in April regarding purchasing then selling a private jet. Valentin noted that despite some improvement, 72 percent of Ontarians believe the province is heading in the wrong direction according to this latest survey.

However, he indicated participants support retaliatory tariffs against America which gives Ford room to be tougher with Trump. Valentin reported that 83 percent backed Canadian tariffs on American products while 85 percent favored keeping U. S. alcohol out of LCBO stores until there’s an agreement reached.

Even though current figures seem favorable for Ford, he’s been vocal about unfavorable polling results recently. He even labeled an Angus Reid Institute poll from June as “fake” while his office claimed that July’s Liaison poll didn’t align with their findings or “the findings of credible polling firms.” His office didn’t disclose what their own findings were at that time.

Tensions Ease Between Trump and Ford After Heated Exchange

This week saw both leaders trading barbs online; with Ford telling Trump he could “kiss my ass” while Trump referred to him as “Flunky Ford.” Trump even threatened on Truth Social Tuesday about renaming Lake Ontario as “Lake America.”

Ford mentioned during an interview with CNN Tuesday that it’s best if they stop throwing insults at each other and focus on returning to negotiations instead.

Dismissing some bees during a housing announcement in Vaughan Wednesday, Ford joked they were likely “President Trump’s bee drones because they’re coming after me.”

WATCH | Ontario Premier Doug Ford says it’s important for the public sector to buy Canadian:

Ford fires ‘another warning shot’ for public sector to buy Canadian

The Premier reiterated Wednesday his government will actively seek out any public sector organizations buying American supplies against Buy Ontario Act rules saying “It’s just common sense; we’re at war; you protect your country,” said Ford.

Diving into federal support announced Tuesday worth $7.5 billion, Ford expressed backing towards Carney’s efforts aimed at assisting through these trade challenges.

“I encourage [Carney]to keep working with us and go even further to protect workers and businesses who are being hit by tariffs,” adding federal officials should think about redirecting tariff funds toward affected sectors while removing greenhouse gas standards related vehicles so businesses have relief.

He pressed all government levels need “to act fast” pushing changes needed quickly without getting caught up within bureaucratic delays.

Additionally, Ford commended Carney’s choice not accept any deal offered by Americans saying officials “kept moving goal posts.”

Ford Open To Lead Effort To Cut Electricity Supply To US

Premier told Associated Press Monday everything including halting electricity exports along critical minerals potentially going south across border remains open due continued conflict surrounding trades

This sentiment echoed again Wednesday when emphasizing Ontarian energy not limited alone province supplying power beyond borders wanting lead charge

Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow suggested taking necessary steps ensuring such uncertainties impact neither economies adversely claiming higher prices affect everyone involved hence cooperation required resolving issues between sides

Your voice must remain present however Carney has voiced doubts using energy exports considered bargaining chip US system significant concern & hold value

Bullish stance concerning Alberta pipeline capacity expansion indeed something wanted together aimed improving oil flow upwards regionally however differing opinions remain held whether tactically leverage resources achievable let alone successful negotiation overall outcomes

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