Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has issued an apology to US President Donald Trump following a dispute over an anti-tariff television commercial that featured quotes from former President Ronald Reagan.
Speaking to reporters at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit in South Korea on Saturday, Carney confirmed: “I did apologise to the president.”
The Advertisement That Sparked Diplomatic Tensions
The controversial commercial incorporated footage from Reagan’s 1987 national radio address, in which the former president warned against protectionist trade policies. “Such trade barriers hurt every American worker and consumer,” Reagan stated in the original speech.
The advertisement, which was financed by the province of Ontario, aired during the opening games of the baseball World Series between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Los Angeles Dodgers. According to Ontario Premier Doug Ford, the spot generated significant attention, with “one billion views” and international coverage reaching as far as the United Kingdom and India.
Political Fallout and Trade Implications
Trump’s response to the advertisement was swift and severe. Last week, he suspended trade negotiations with Canada and announced plans to impose an additional 10% tariff on Canadian imports.
Carney distanced himself from the decision to air the commercial, stating it was “not something I would have done.” He revealed that Ford had shown him the advertisement beforehand, and he had advised against proceeding with it. Nevertheless, Carney acknowledged that Trump was “offended” by the spot.
On Friday, Trump confirmed receiving Carney’s apology and described their relationship as “very good,” though he maintained that “what he did was wrong.”
Diplomatic Tensions Escalate
The advertisement reportedly triggered a heated confrontation between US envoy Pete Hoekstra and Ontario trade representative David Paterson, described as an “expletive-laced tirade.” Ford characterized Hoekstra’s remarks as “absolutely unacceptable” and said the envoy needed to apologize to Paterson.
Current Trade Landscape
Since assuming office, Trump has implemented tariffs on numerous countries, with Canada among the most significantly affected. The US currently maintains a 35% tariff on Canadian goods, though most products remain exempt under an existing free trade agreement. Specific sectors face higher duties, including 50% on steel and aluminum and 25% on automobiles.
This week, Trump accused Canada of using the advertisement to influence an upcoming US Supreme Court case examining the legality of the president’s extensive tariffs on Canada, Mexico, China, and dozens of other nations.
