Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has publicly apologized to President Donald Trump for a contentious advertisement aired in the United States, marking the second major concession to the U.S. leader in recent weeks. The apology occurred during a dinner among leaders at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju, South Korea, where Carney confirmed his actions to reporters on March 21, 2023.
The advertisement, produced by the province of Ontario, featured an archival audio clip of former President Ronald Reagan expressing his opposition to tariffs. This ad aired during Major League Baseball games and reportedly infuriated Trump, causing him to suspend trade negotiations and impose a new 10 percent tariff on Canadian goods following its second airing during the World Series.
Although Trump expressed that he has a “very good relationship” with Carney, he criticized the advertisement as misleading. “It was a false commercial. It was the exact opposite — Ronald Reagan loved tariffs,” Trump stated during a press briefing aboard Air Force One. He acknowledged Carney’s apology but maintained that the content of the ad was inappropriate.
The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation reported that the atmosphere during the leaders’ dinner displayed noticeable tension, with both leaders seated across from each other. Observers noted the stark contrast in their interactions following the ad’s release.
This incident represents a significant setback for Carney, who previously promised to secure a favorable trade agreement with the United States by July 2021. In June, he rescinded a proposed 3 percent tax on major U.S. technology companies, including Google, Amazon, and Meta, after Trump threatened further tariffs.
Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre has been quick to leverage this situation, criticizing Carney’s inability to achieve a trade deal with the U.S. during his tenure. “Mr. Carney promised a good deal by July 21, 2021. He promised he could negotiate a win with President Trump. So why did he promise it?” Poilievre questioned in a recent interview.
Despite the backlash, Ontario Premier Doug Ford has shown no signs of regret over the advertisement. He stated his commitment to advocating for Ontario workers, who have been adversely affected by U.S. tariffs on various industries such as automotive and steel. Ford defended the ad, writing in a letter to the Wall Street Journal that it was a necessary reminder of Reagan’s economic principles.
The controversial advertisement quoted Reagan’s 1987 radio address that criticized protectionist trade policies, although critics argue it provided an incomplete portrayal of his views. The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute also condemned the ad for distorting Reagan’s position on tariffs.
Meanwhile, Canadian fact-checkers have largely affirmed that while the ad accurately quoted Reagan, it lacked necessary context. Ford, however, maintains that the campaign successfully drew attention to the issues affecting Ontario, stating, “They’re talking about it in the U.S., and they weren’t talking about it before I put the ad on.”
As the situation unfolds, many Canadians are focusing on the Toronto Blue Jays, who have reached the World Series for the first time since 1993, shifting public attention away from the ongoing trade tensions.
