Ontario Premier Doug Ford made a striking declaration about a political advertisement during a rare joint appearance with Prime Minister Mark Carney on Parliament Hill. The event, held on Thursday, December 18, 2025, showcased a moment of federal-provincial alignment on a key economic issue.
A Powerful Endorsement on the Hill
Following an official announcement, reporters questioned the two leaders. It was during this media scrum that Premier Ford offered unsolicited and effusive praise for a specific advertisement opposing tariffs. "The best ad that's ever been run," Ford stated emphatically, referring to the anti-tariff commercial. Prime Minister Carney, standing to Ford's right, was captured by photographers reacting to the premier's candid remark.
Context of Federal-Provincial Collaboration
The leaders' joint appearance in Ottawa was not centered on the advertisement itself but was related to broader policy announcements. The visual of Canada's prime minister and the premier of its most populous province sharing a stage is significant, often signaling cooperation on matters of national and regional importance. Ford's spontaneous comment, made with the federal leader at his side, underscores the high political and economic stakes surrounding international trade and tariff policies for Canadian industries.
The specific content of the ad Ford praised was not detailed in the exchange, but its anti-tariff message clearly resonated with the premier. Such commercials are typically launched by industry groups, coalitions, or political entities to sway public and governmental opinion against imposing or maintaining duties on imported goods, which can raise costs for consumers and businesses.
Significance of the Moment
This public moment between Ford and Carney is noteworthy for several reasons:
- Timing: The comment was made in late 2025, a period potentially marked by ongoing trade discussions or disputes.
- Unity: The apparent alignment between the federal government and Ontario on the tariff issue suggests a coordinated front to protect economic interests.
- Political Theater: Ford's blunt, high-praise assessment, delivered in front of the national press corps with the PM present, amplified the message far beyond a simple policy statement.
The event, documented by The Canadian Press, highlights how political messaging extends beyond official speeches and into the more informal, yet highly visible, interactions with the media. Premier Ford's characterization of the ad as historically effective serves as a powerful endorsement, likely intended to bolster the campaign's credibility and reach.
