Doug Ford isn’t always everyone’s cup of tea, but when he’s right, he’s right — and in his latest message to Prime Minister Mark Carney, the Ontario Premier hits the mark. It’s time for Canada to stop tripping over its own shoelaces when it comes to resource development and interprovincial trade. If Carney wants to prove he’s serious about economic growth, he should take Ford’s call to action seriously.
In his April 29 statement congratulating Carney on his federal election win, Ford laid out a clear, bold ask: speed up project approvals, unleash the potential of the Ring of Fire, support new energy initiatives like Ontario’s small modular reactor, and finally tear down the outdated internal trade barriers that have hampered Canadian productivity for decades. It’s the kind of no-nonsense vision we need more of — one that puts economic resilience ahead of bureaucratic bottlenecks.
The Ring of Fire — a mineral-rich zone in Northern Ontario packed with chromite, nickel, copper, and more — has been talked about for years but largely stalled in red tape and jurisdictional gridlock. Meanwhile, the world is racing ahead in securing critical minerals for electric vehicles, batteries, and next-generation tech. Canada could be a global player in that race — but only if the federal government stops dragging its feet and starts acting like it actually wants these projects to happen.
Ford’s push for internal trade reform is just as crucial. It’s baffling that in 2025, it’s still easier in many cases to trade with the U.S. than between provinces. This is a self-inflicted wound that costs the Canadian economy billions each year. Carney, if he’s serious about delivering on his promises, should prioritize eliminating these outdated restrictions by Canada Day as Ford suggests. It’s not just about economic integration — it’s about national unity through shared prosperity.
There’s also the need for “nation-building infrastructure” — a term that has almost become nostalgic in a country where big, visionary projects seem like relics of the past. Pipelines, rail lines, seaports — all these things are essential if Canada wants to be more than just a branch plant for American or Chinese economies. We need the backbone to get our goods to market — not just to our southern neighbour, but to the world.
Ford also threw in some reminders about bail reform and national defence, calling on Ottawa to meet NATO spending targets and support Canadian-made equipment. That part may not be as headline-grabbing, but it ties into a broader theme: national self-reliance. Whether it’s energy, manufacturing, or defence, Canada needs to stand on its own two feet.
Critics will say Ford is using this moment to score political points — and maybe he is. But politics aside, the substance of his message rings true. If Prime Minister Carney wants to lead a more competitive, resilient, and future-ready Canada, he could do worse than start by saying “yes” to Doug Ford’s call to action.
The time for polite consultations and endless reviews is over. It’s time to build — and to trade freely. The ball is now in Ottawa’s court.
