Bulwark Takes: Breaking – Canada’s Doug Ford Caves To Trump In Tariff War! What Happens Now?

Episode Release Date: March 11, 2025
Host/Author: The Bulwark
Participants:

• Andrew Rager: Author of the Morning Shots newsletter
• Justin Ling: Canadian journalist, freelancer, and fellow Substack writer

Overview

In this episode of Bulwark Takes, host Andrew Rager engages in a comprehensive discussion with Canadian journalist Justin Ling about the escalating trade tensions between the United States and Canada. The conversation delves into the recent developments in the trade war initiated by former President Donald Trump, the political upheaval within Canada, and the strategic moves by Ontario's Premier Doug Ford. The episode provides an in-depth analysis of the implications of these events on both nations' economies and political landscapes.

Current State of the US-Canada Trade War

Andrew Rager opens the discussion by highlighting the rapid deterioration of US-Canada relations under the Trump administration's trade policies. He notes that the situation is evolving swiftly, with significant developments on both sides of the border.

Justin Ling emphasizes the depth of anti-US sentiment in Canada, stating:

"People are literally booing the US Anthem and hockey games. They're cheering, watching bourbon comes off the shelves at liquor stores."
(02:10)

He describes a unified Canadian front, where the populace is willing to endure economic sacrifices to counter the trade war, reflecting a strong patriotic resolve to protect national interests.

Political Upheaval in Canada

The episode shifts focus to the significant political changes within Canada over the past month. Justin Ling provides insights into the surprising resurgence of Justin Trudeau's Liberal Party, which was previously deemed likely to lose the upcoming election.

"Justin Trudeau's Liberal Party had basically zero chance of reelection up until, like, last month. And then the curve just basically shoots right up."
(06:25)

Trudeau has stepped aside, leading to the selection of Mark Carney, former Bank of Canada and Bank of England Governor, as the new leader. Carney is gaining popularity by advocating a strong stance against Trump, signaling a shift towards reducing reliance on the United States as Canada's primary trading partner.

Ontario's Strategic Role in Energy Exports

Andrew Rager brings attention to Ontario's pivotal role in the trade tensions, particularly regarding energy exports. Ontario has been a major exporter of electricity to the United States, leveraging its hydroelectric resources to support the shared North American energy grid.

Justin Ling explains:

"Ontario had added this extra 25% surcharge on electricity above and beyond the federal tariffs on a whole bunch of other goods. So the tariffs stay in place. The electricity surcharge... has been paused."
(09:41)

Premier Doug Ford's recent announcement to temporarily halt the 25% surcharge on electricity exports to the US marks a significant development. This move aims to open dialogue for a renewed USMCA agreement, although Ling expresses skepticism about its success.

Tariffs and Economic Warfare

The discussion delves into the mechanics of the tariffs imposed by both nations. Justin Ling critiques the effectiveness and logic behind Trump's tariffs, highlighting the economic consequences:

"The higher you put up tariffs, the less trade happens and therefore the less tariffs you collect. So this is just doomed to fail on every single level."
(16:58)

Ling argues that the trade war is detrimental to both economies, leading to shortages and increased costs for consumers. He underscores Canada's readiness to escalate its response, targeting specific US industries reliant on Canadian exports, thereby inflicting strategic economic pain where it matters most.

Possible Outcomes and Future Prospects

Andrew Rager and Justin Ling explore potential scenarios stemming from the ongoing trade conflict. They consider the possibility of Trump declaring victory prematurely or continuing to escalate measures, which could further destabilize the economic relationship.

Justin Ling expresses concern over the internal tensions within Trump's administration:

"Nothing screams to me that Trump is interested in going back to the sort of regular days of the first administration."
(14:44)

He also critiques economic advisors like Peter Navarro, labeling their strategies as fundamentally flawed and detrimental to long-term economic health.

Speakers' Insights and Conclusions

Justin Ling reflects on the broader implications of Canada's unified response, suggesting that other nations could learn from Canada's strong national cohesion in the face of economic aggression:

"Here is, you know, 35 million people who have basically collectively... what's some, some exceptions, said this is ridiculous. The president is making the world a less rich, less prosperous, less safe place."
(22:05)

Andrew Rager concurs, noting the disconnect between Trump's aggressive trade policies and the American public's lack of enthusiasm for the ongoing conflict. He expresses uncertainty about the eventual outcome but underscores the significance of the current developments.

Notable Quotes

• Justin Ling:
  "Everything that was down is up. Justin Trudeau's Liberal Party had basically zero chance of reelection up until, like, last month."
  (06:25)

• Andrew Rager:
  "Donald Trump's whole thing is that he basically knows no other move than to counter punch."
  (15:49)

• Justin Ling:
  "We're going to buckle up, tighten our belts and do something about it."
  (22:05)

Conclusion

This episode of Bulwark Takes provides a thorough examination of the escalating US-Canada trade war, highlighting the profound political and economic shifts occurring within Canada in response to Trump's protectionist policies. Justin Ling offers a critical perspective on the sustainability and rationale behind the trade tensions, while Andrew Rager contextualizes the broader implications for North American relations. Listeners gain valuable insights into the complexities of international trade disputes and the emerging strategies of Canadian leadership in safeguarding national interests.

For more in-depth analysis and updates, follow Justin Ling on Bluesky or subscribe to his Substack, Bug Eyed and Shameless, where he explores themes of information warfare and Canadian political campaigns.

End of Summary