Washington, D.C. – U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed on Friday that the United States will not restart trade talks with Canada, following a controversial political advertisement aired by the province of Ontario. The ad, which featured former Republican President Ronald Reagan warning that tariffs could lead to trade wars and job losses, prompted Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to apologize directly to Trump.

“I like him a lot but what they did was wrong,” Trump said, referring to the Ontario ad. “He apologized for what they did with the commercial because it was a false commercial.”

The commercial, produced by Ontario’s provincial government, highlighted Reagan’s support for free markets and free trade, using his words to criticize tariffs on foreign goods. Trump, who had already suspended trade negotiations in response to the ad, additionally announced a 10% increase in tariffs on Canadian goods, escalating tensions between the neighboring countries.

While Carney’s private apology at a diplomatic meeting sought to smooth over the dispute, Trump reiterated that formal trade talks with Canada will not resume, citing the advertisement as a breach of diplomatic protocol. Carney did not immediately respond to requests for further comment on the situation.

Background on Canada-U.S. Trade Tensions

Trade relations between the United States and Canada have faced ongoing strain in recent years, with disputes over tariffs, market access, and political messaging. The Ontario ad incident reflects the challenges of managing subnational political actions that can affect international diplomacy. Analysts note that although Canada remains a key trading partner for the U.S., domestic politics in both countries continue to complicate bilateral negotiations.

The Ontario ad controversy underscores the broader debate over tariffs, trade wars, and economic policy, particularly in sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, and energy where Canada and the U.S. have significant economic interdependence.

Implications for Future Canada-U.S. Relations

The decision not to restart trade talks highlights the fragility of current trade relations. Economists warn that prolonged uncertainty over tariffs could impact supply chains, investment decisions, and consumer prices in both countries. Meanwhile, Canada may seek alternative strategies to mitigate trade friction, including strengthening ties with other global partners and exploring new markets.

The situation also emphasizes the influence of political communications on international economic diplomacy, showing how domestic political campaigns can have far-reaching consequences in trade negotiations.