Key Takeaways
- Ontario Premier Doug Ford used a commencement address at Saginaw Valley State University to stress the deep economic and cultural ties between Canada and the United States.
- He warned that renewed tariff‑based protectionism would hurt both nations, quoting former U.S. President Ronald Reagan on the job‑loss consequences of trade barriers.
- Ford highlighted personal stories—working in his family’s printing business in Chicago and learning politics from his late brother Rob—to illustrate the virtues of teamwork, loyalty, and accessible leadership.
- The speech came shortly after Ontario’s $75 million U.S. anti‑tariff advertising campaign, which featured Reagan clips and provoked a strong reaction from President Donald Trump, temporarily halting Canada‑U.S. trade talks.
- Ford received an honorary doctorate of humane letters from SVSU, with the university president praising him for fostering Great Lakes‑region cooperation.
- Ontario’s recent omnibus budget bill includes a retroactive freedom‑of‑information exemption intended to shield Ford and his cabinet from document requests, a move Ford defended as necessary to stop a Global News inquiry into his cellphone records.
- In his closing remarks, Ford described the Canada‑U.S. relationship as “shaken and undermined” over the past 18 months, urged graduates to build their lives on collaboration, and likened the intertwined economies to an egg that cannot be unscrambled—only made into a larger omelet.
Introduction and Context
On Saturday, Ontario Premier Doug Ford took the stage at Saginaw Valley State University’s (SVSU) commencement ceremony in University Center, Michigan, about 150 kilometres northwest of Detroit. Dressed in a traditional black cap and gown, Ford addressed hundreds of graduating students, using the platform to reflect on the long‑standing partnership between Canada and the United States while sounding a note of caution about rising protectionist pressures. The event marked one of the few occasions a Canadian provincial leader has delivered a U.S. university commencement speech, underscoring the symbolic weight Ford placed on cross‑border relations.
Ford’s Speech at SVSU
Throughout his address, Ford emphasized that the success of both nations has historically relied on cooperation rather than confrontation. He framed his remarks around the idea that the graduates’ future prosperity will depend on the same principles that have underpinned the Canada‑U.S. bond for decades: teamwork, mutual respect, and loyalty. By speaking directly to a young American audience, Ford sought to reinforce a shared identity that transcends political headlines and to remind listeners that economic interdependence is a reality, not a choice.
Quoting Reagan on Tariffs
A centerpiece of Ford’s message was a direct quote from former U.S. President Ronald Reagan: “Markets shrink and collapse, businesses and industries shut down and millions of people lose their jobs.” Ford used Reagan’s words to illustrate the tangible harm that tariffs can inflict on ordinary citizens, arguing that protectionist policies threaten to undo the economic gains built over generations. The allusion to Reagan—a figure revered by many American conservatives—was strategic, aiming to bridge partisan divides and frame opposition to tariffs as a broadly American value rather than a partisan stance.
Personal Anecdotes and Teamwork Message
Ford complemented his policy points with personal storytelling. He recounted spending two decades establishing his family’s printing business in Chicago, describing the long hours and hands‑on work that taught him the value of perseverance. He also credited his late brother, Rob Ford, for launching his political career, noting that Rob’s habit of answering constituent calls day and night modeled a style of accessible, responsive governance. These anecdotes served to underline Ford’s broader thesis: effective leadership and national success are rooted in relationships built on trust, loyalty, and a willingness to listen.
Background on Anti‑Tariff Ad Campaign
The timing of Ford’s speech is notable because it follows a controversial $75 million anti‑tariff advertising campaign that Ontario aired across U.S. television stations earlier in the year. The ads prominently featured the Reagan clip Ford quoted in his address, positioning the former president as a vocal opponent of protectionism. The campaign drew sharp criticism from President Donald Trump, who reportedly halted Canada‑U.S. trade talks in response to what he perceived as an affront to his administration’s trade policy. The ad blitz thus became a flashpoint in the broader diplomatic friction between the two countries.
Impact on Trade Relations and Trump Reaction
Ford acknowledged that the ad campaign contributed to a period of heightened tension, noting that trade negotiations were paused after Trump’s reaction. However, he also pointed to a recent resumption of dialogue: Canada‑U.S. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc met with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in Washington, D.C., last month, signaling a willingness to rebuild the negotiation framework. Ford’s remarks aimed to reassure listeners that, despite temporary setbacks, both governments recognize the necessity of finding common ground to protect the integrated North American economy.
Honorary Doctorate and University Praise
In recognition of his efforts to strengthen cross‑border ties, SVSU conferred upon Ford an honorary doctorate of humane letters. University President George Grant Jr. introduced the premier as a “friend” of the institution and thanked him for fostering strong relations throughout the Great Lakes region, both north and south of the border. The honor underscored the university’s appreciation for Ford’s advocacy of bilateral cooperation and highlighted the academic community’s role in supporting informed public discourse on trade and diplomacy.
FOI Bill Controversy
Ford also touched on a domestic policy issue that has attracted scrutiny: Ontario’s recent omnibus budget bill includes a retroactive freedom‑of‑information (FOI) exemption designed to shield the premier, cabinet members, and their offices from public access to certain documents. Ford admitted that part of the rationale for this provision was to thwart a Global News request seeking his cellphone records, which the outlet hoped would shed light on his communications during the anti‑tariff ad campaign. Critics argue that the measure undermines transparency, while Ford maintains it is necessary to protect sensitive governmental deliberations.
Closing Remarks and Call to Action
Concluding his address, Ford described the Canada‑U.S. relationship as “shaken and undermined” over the past year and a half, warning that protectionism has historically failed and will not succeed now. He urged the graduates to embark on their futures guided by the same principles that have sustained the bilateral partnership—teamwork, strong relationships, and loyalty. Using a vivid metaphor, Ford said, “Our economies are too closely linked. We can’t unscramble that egg. We can only make the omelet larger,” urging collaborative growth rather than divisive separation.
Conclusion
Doug Ford’s commencement speech at SVSU wove together personal narrative, historical reference, and contemporary policy critique to deliver a clear message: the prosperity of Canada and the United States hinges on continued cooperation. By invoking Reagan’s wisdom, reflecting on his own business and political experiences, and acknowledging recent diplomatic hiccups, Ford positioned himself as a steward of the trans‑border alliance. While his remarks were met with appreciation by the university audience, they also reignited debates over transparency at home and the efficacy of using high‑profile advertising campaigns to shape international trade discourse. The address serves as both a rallying cry for renewed partnership and a reminder that the stakes of economic nationalism are felt not just in boardrooms but in the everyday lives of workers on both sides of the border.