Premier Doug Ford pushes for renewed continental trade co-operation and stronger CUSMA agreement
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Ontario Premier Doug Ford has concluded a two-day mission to Washington aimed at advancing the province’s renewed “Fortress North America” strategy, a plan focused on strengthening trade ties and economic co-operation between Canada, the United States and Mexico through an updated Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).
During meetings with U.S. senators, members of Congress and business leaders from key industries including automotive, aerospace and agriculture, Ford argued that deeper continental collaboration would help create jobs, reduce costs for consumers and strengthen North American security.
“Ontario is a vital partner in the continental trading relationships that benefit workers in Canada, the United States and Mexico,” said Premier Ford. “Our Fortress North America plan provides a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Canada, the United States and Mexico to build on this co-operation, secure North America, create jobs and deliver real results for workers and families.”
The Ontario government framed the initiative as both an economic and geopolitical strategy designed to reinforce North America’s position in global trade while reducing dependence on overseas supply chains. Provincial officials emphasized that strengthening regional partnerships could also help shield critical industries from global instability and unfair foreign competition.
Ontario highlights economic benefits of CUSMA
A major focus of the Washington discussions centred on the economic impact of CUSMA, which came into force in 2020 and replaced the North American Free Trade Agreement.
Ontario officials said the trade pact has contributed to years of economic growth across the continent and remains essential for maintaining stable cross-border supply chains and investment flows. During the mission, Ford’s delegation argued that a renewed agreement would further unlock economic opportunities for businesses and workers across all three countries.
According to figures released by the province, U.S. goods exports to Canada have increased by more than 36 per cent since CUSMA took effect. In 2025 alone, trade in goods and services between Canada and the United States totalled more than $1.2 trillion, representing over $3.3 billion in daily cross-border activity.
Ontario also noted its growing importance within the U.S. economy. In 2025, the province ranked as the top merchandise export destination for 11 U.S. states and the second-largest destination for an additional 15 states.
The province further highlighted the scale of Canada’s importance to American exporters, noting that the United States exports more goods to Canada than to China, Germany and the United Kingdom combined. Canada also remains the largest export market for U.S.-made vehicles, purchasing more annually than Mexico and all of South America combined.
Provincial officials said these economic links support an estimated 1.8 million American jobs tied to exports of goods and services to Canada.
Focus on supply chains, security and investment
Ontario’s Fortress North America proposal also places significant emphasis on strengthening continental supply chains in sectors viewed as strategically important, including critical minerals, nuclear energy, advanced technologies and defence manufacturing.
The province argued that greater integration between Canada, the United States and Mexico could stimulate billions of dollars in new investment while improving economic resilience across North America.
By limiting reliance on overseas imports and increasing regional production capacity, Ontario officials said the strategy would help improve long-term economic competitiveness and national security.
“For generations, Canada, the United States and Mexico have worked together as trusted economic partners, supporting the growth of critical industries and integrated cross-border supply chains,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “Ontario’s Fortress North America plan reflects our government’s continued commitment to strengthening this trilateral trade agreement and ensuring families on both sides of the border stand to benefit from the certainty and stability it offers.”
The Ontario government said it will continue advocating for a trilateral trade framework that provides long-term certainty for investors while reinforcing North America’s position as a globally competitive economic region.
The Washington mission comes amid broader discussions about economic security, industrial competitiveness and trade policy across North America as governments seek to secure supply chains and attract investment in emerging sectors.