Ontario Premier Doug Ford was awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from Saginaw Valley State University in Michigan on Saturday. Dressed in a black cap and gown, Ford took the stage during the commencement ceremony, addressing a crowd of graduates. His speech reflected on the ongoing trade tensions between Canada and the United States, sparking curiosity among attendees regarding his presence as a Canadian politician.
During his address, Ford recounted his years spent living and working in the U.S., particularly in helping to build his family’s printing business. He emphasized the long-standing cooperative relationship of over 200 years between Canada and the U.S., highlighting the historical ties that bind the two nations.
As he moved from personal anecdotes to political commentary, Ford shared insights about his career in public service, mentioning his tenure on the Toronto city council alongside his brother, Rob Ford. Notably, he used this opportunity to share his phone number once again, encouraging the graduates to reach out to him.
Shifting the focus to trade issues, Ford acknowledged the close relationship between Ontario and Michigan, particularly in the automobile manufacturing sector. However, he pointed out that this partnership is currently under strain due to “tariffs and trade wars.” In his critique of protectionist policies, he echoed a quote from former U.S. President Ronald Reagan, which served as the foundation for an anti-tariff advertisement Ontario had run in U.S. markets the previous year, which inadvertently stalled trade discussions between Canada and the U.S.
“Markets shrink and collapse; businesses and industries shut down; and millions of people lose their jobs,” Ford quoted, reinforcing the need for cooperative trade practices. He expressed concern over the potential risks for both countries if collaborative efforts are not re-established. “That’s what we risk with the U.S. and Canada if we don’t get back to working together,” he cautioned the graduates.
In conclusion of his speech, Ford imparted a message on teamwork and loyalty, urging the graduates to remember these values as they embark on their futures. “These are the attributes that will make you succeed, just as they made our two great countries succeed,” he stated, resonating with the audience.
In attendance, the university’s president, George Grant Jr., acknowledged Ford as a friend and expressed gratitude for his efforts in strengthening relations within the Great Lakes region across the border. Ford has cultivated a reputation as a staunch opponent of American tariffs and a vocal critic of U.S. President Donald Trump, earning him the nickname “Captain Canada” among some media and political commentators.
In an assertive stance against U.S. tariffs, Ford had previously engaged in retaliatory policies and made his case for Canada-U.S. cooperation through various interviews on American news networks. He attracted attention by removing American liquor from the LCBO shelves shortly after U.S. tariffs were enacted and by donning a “Canada Is Not For Sale” hat during a contentious meeting in Ottawa amid Trump’s threats to annex Canada.
Ford’s anti-tariff initiatives have also impacted Michigan, the home of the university that honored him with a degree. He imposed a 25 percent tariff on all electricity exports to the U.S., a decision that was reversed just a day later. During this brief enforcement, Ontario collected $260,000 from the tariff, which the province claimed would have affected 1.5 million homes and businesses across Michigan, Minnesota, and New York.
Saginaw Valley State University, located in University Centre, Michigan, was founded in 1963 and serves as a public institution committed to academic excellence.
