Ontario’s Lecce warns that Democrats offer no tariff cure
Canada shouldn’t expect the United States to lift tariffs simply because Democrats won control of Congress, Ontario Energy and Mines Minister said.
Ontario’s Energy and Mines Minister Stephen Lecce cautioned that Democrats’ control of Congress after the U.S. midterm elections does not guarantee an end to tariffs. Despite this change in political power, both major U.S. political parties tend towards protectionism, which could burden Canadian exporters even after President Trump’s term ends.
Lecce emphasized that securing a trade agreement is different from eliminating tariffs, and a trade deal could provide greater certainty for Canadian metals producers without removing the tariffs that increase export costs to the U.S. market. The recent Democratic victory in both the House of Representatives and Senate allowed them to challenge Trump’s policies during the remaining two years of his presidency.
Lecce underscored that tariffs played a significant role in the election campaign. Negotiations between Canada and the U.S. have shown recent progress, with Washington removing some demands on Canada’s ability to negotiate agreements with other countries. Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s advocacy in urging Prime Minister Mark Carney to reject an earlier deal that enshrined tariffs was acknowledged as instrumental by Lecce.
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