Ontario Premier Doug Ford said today the province needs to create an economic fortress to fight for Ontario's economic future.
The premier said this within the context of possible 25-per-cent trade tariffs threatened by U.S. president-elect Donald Trump, who comes to power in one week's time.
Ford said that means Ontario needs to step up the production and processing of critical minerals — things like nickel, cesium, lithium and titanium — that the Americans will need to stabilize their economy, thereby solidifying an Ontario-U.S. alliance.
Ford was speaking at a Jan. 13 news conference in Toronto, in front of a mineral display at the Royal Ontario Museum, to highlight what he said was the importance of Ontario's critical minerals program.
Ontario needs to demonstrate to the Americans that Ontario's critical minerals are vital to U.S. industries so that the idea of any trade tariffs on Canadian goods will be regarded as unnecessary,” the premier said.
He also emphasized the importance of Canadian minerals to the U.S. Department of Defense, in particular nickel and titanium. Access to Canada’s minerals should be prioritized by U.S. national security objectives, especially since China is already a leading producer for many of the world's critical minerals, a situation not in America's best interests.
Northern Affairs Minister Greg Rickford also spoke at the press conference. He commented that there is a significant demand for critical minerals in the U.S. and while Ontario can meet that demand, "competition is stiff."
"China is processing 95 per cent of rare earth elements and 65 per cent of critical minerals. They get it from other parts of the world, and their practices are suspect," said Rickford.
He said Ontario, in contrast to China, has fair labour practices, sound environmental processes and a commitment to Indigenous communities and First Nations to be involved in the mining process.
"We can offer one of its friendliest environmental policies the world over with the critical minerals that we have so that from earth to electric vehicles, and mines to motors, Ontario has got it all," said Rickford.
Mines Minister George Pirie was also on hand. He noted that historically, Canada and the United States have always had a strong economic alliance.
"It's important to remember that Canada is the United States' most reliable trading partner. Throughout our history, we've worked together to build one of the most integrated and mutually beneficial economic relationships in the world," said Pirie.
He said the Canada-U.S. industrial supply chain relies on metals and minerals from Ontario.
"Minerals mined in Ontario are already part of a vast cross-border supply chain and used in American and Canadian made products. For example, most of the nickel that feeds the American aerospace and defense industries comes from Ontario. Talc, mined in Timmins, is exported to the United States to make catalytic converters and other automotive parts," he said.
He added that the future of the North American electric vehicle industry is dependent on the cross-border supply chain.
"In partnership with our American allies, we can ensure that Ontario's resources drive prosperity and security for the US and Canada for generations to come," said Pirie.
Ford added to his comments, saying that while his approach might be seen as leaning hard in favour of the U.S., it is necessary for Ontario to do whatever it can to protect the provincial economy.
The premier said Ontario would feel the impact of any tariffs more than any other province, adding Americans are fearful of China's economic policies, which he said is all about "hijacking the global supply chain."
Ford also urged the federal government to be more proactive in promoting a strong economic alliance with the U.S. and helping establish a cross-border working group on mineral price stability to identify policy solutions that would promote the long-term sustainability of critical mineral development projects.
Len Gillis covers mining and health care for Sudbury.com.