Ford celebrates Democratic U.S. midterm wins, hopes for trade relief

TORONTO · Ontario Premier Doug Ford said he celebrated Democratic victories in the United States midterm elections with "cartwheels." He told reporters on Wednesday he was "happy as punch" after the party won control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate. Ford said the results show American voters are frustrated by the cost of living, which he linked to U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods. He cautioned, however, that the trade war is "not even close to being done" because President Donald Trump remains in office.

"I couldn’t be happier," Ford said. "I was jumping up and down when the results were coming in." He argued the Republican losses send a clear message. "President Trump has to start listening," Ford said. "Let's do everything we can to get rid of these tariffs and show prosperity in both countries." The U.S. imposed 50 per cent tariffs on $28 billion worth of Canadian goods in early September, prompting retaliatory tariffs from the Canadian government.

Ford said he has instructed his cabinet ministers to travel to Washington, D.C., after the new Congress is sworn in late next January. Their goal will be to build relationships and try to de-escalate the trade conflict. "We’re going to be down there, communicating, building those relationships," he said. He singled out Michigan, where Democrat Abdul El-Sayed was elected to the Senate, as a crucial trading partner for Ontario. "The new senator wants one thing. He wants jobs, he wants prosperity, he wants economic growth in Michigan," said Ford.

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When pressed for his personal reaction, Ford said, "I can’t stand the guy" before ending the news conference. The premier and the president have a history of public clashes. In late August, after Trump threatened new auto sector tariffs, Ford told him to "kiss my ass," a remark that drew a personal insult from Trump in return. Interim Ontario Liberal Leader John Fraser criticized Ford's approach, saying the premier should follow Prime Minister Mark Carney's more diplomatic lead. "What we need is a plan," Fraser said. "The prime minister is leading that plan, and I think that the premier of this province and premiers in this country should take the lead from the prime minister. That's Team Canada." He urged caution, noting Trump is still president and the newly elected Democrats will not take office for months.

In Quebec, Premier Paul St-Pierre Plamondon said the election outcome could improve the province's negotiating position with the U.S. "What we’re going to do is prepare a diplomatic push to engage in discussions with the Americans and see whether, at this point, there’s a solution that would allow us to move forward," Plamondon said. Michelle llambías Meunier, president of the Quebec Employers’ Council, said the premier could be an effective advocate in Washington if he listens closely to business concerns. Some Montreal residents expressed optimism. "It’s awesome, we’re all happy here," said Zoe Brouse-lillini. Raj Kavia called the result "fantastic" and "a wonderful thing." Anne Donckerwolcke said she was happy but wary, noting Trump retains veto power and could continue to cause difficulties.

Political scientists warned against expecting immediate change. Daniel Béland of McGill University said the Democratic wins could increase pressure on Trump but noted the president often uses executive orders on trade. "And here the courts are probably more helpful than Congress in terms of mitigating that," Béland stated. University of Toronto professor Drew Fagan called the election a "full repudiation" of Trump, driven by issues like the Iran war and tariffs.

Ryan Hurl, also a political science professor at the University of Toronto, said significant shifts in U.S. trade policy are unlikely soon. "It's possible that Congress could attempt to pass new trade bills, but those are going to be subjected to the presidential veto," Hurl said. He added that Democrats themselves are not uniformly pro-free trade. "The Democrats are not simply the party of free trade, even if they are a party that does not want to have antagonism with Canada," he said.

Myriam Belzile-Maguire, who runs a Montreal footwear company hit by the tariffs, saw a glimmer of hope. Her business opened U.S. stores in 2022 and 2024, with the American market now making up about 35 per cent of sales. Uncertainty has stalled further expansion. "And a year ago, we had to restructure our entire logistics because of the end of the minimis and the beginning of the tariff," she said. "Right now we hold on the development in the U.S. because it was a bit unstable."

Some observers said the election shows the need for Canada to diversify its economic partnerships. "We need to diversify," said Montrealer Raj Kavia. "That’s what our government’s doing. I think it’s a good idea." Daniel Béland questioned whether Trump would heed the electoral message, saying, "It’s not sure whether the president understood the message that was sent yesterday or wants to take it into account and actually change its trade policies." The diplomatic climate was tense ahead of the vote, as Nosy Mag reported in October that Canada directed its diplomats to avoid U.S. midterm candidates after allegations of interference.

With files from CityNews, CBC News and Global News