Ontario Premier Doug Ford has announced the province will pause its anti-tariff advertisement campaign in the United States in response to President Donald Trump's outrage, which led to the termination of trade talks. Following a conversation with Prime Minister Mark Carney, Ford decided that the ad, which criticizes US tariffs on Canadian goods by quoting former President Ronald Reagan, would continue through the weekend but be paused on Monday to facilitate the resumption of negotiations.

Trump termed the advert 'FAKE' and 'egregious,' causing significant backlash that halted trade discussions. The advertisement aimed to highlight how tariffs impact not just Canada but also American consumers, seeking to foster a dialogue about the economic future and policies that Americans wish to adopt.

Initially, Ford's government felt the ad's intention was to spark discussions on tariff impact; however, some experts suggest its combative tone may have instead hindered diplomatic negotiations. The White House has expressed dissatisfaction with Canada's trade practices and would like to see constructive progress.

Carney has indicated that Canada was ready to resume trade discussions when the United States is prepared. Ford's harsh stance on US tariffs has elicited mixed reactions in Canada, opening a debate about whether a more diplomatic approach would yield better outcomes in negotiations.

As both leaders gear up for an international summit, the pause on the advertisement illustrates the delicate nature of Canada-US trade relations amidst ongoing tensions over tariffs and trade agreements.