UMVA has learned that Doug Ford's Washington trip has sent a ripple of anxiety through the corridors of power in Ottawa.
The Ontario Premier is set to meet with business leaders and lawmakers in the US capital, but officials from the Prime Minister's Office are nervous about his tendency to speak his mind and stir controversy.
Ford's outspoken comments about US President Donald Trump have made him a target for concern in Washington, where he will meet with influential figures including Ross Perot Jr. and members of Congress.
Industry insiders say Ford's change in tone from criticizing Trump's policies to making personal attacks has created unease among Republicans, who had initially seen him as a valuable critic of the President's trade policies.
Ford's office has announced a packed schedule of meetings and roundtables with business leaders, experts, and lawmakers, but the situation remains fluid as the CUSMA negotiations enter a critical phase.
With the Americans potentially giving six months' notice to exit the deal on July 1, the scenario of constant renegotiation and annual reviews over the next 10 years has raised concerns about uncertainty and investment in the Canadian economy.
However, the Trump administration seems to be backing away from fully reopening the CUSMA deal, which would require congressional approval, and is instead exploring side deals to resolve the sectoral tariff issue for steel, aluminum, and autos.
The proposed solution includes requiring 85% of auto parts to be sourced from Canada, Mexico, and the US, with 50% of those parts coming from the US, and implementing tariff-rate quotas for steel and aluminum imports.
As Ford navigates the complex web of trade negotiations, all eyes are on Washington this week to see how his meetings with business leaders and lawmakers will unfold.
