Australia’s Sky News has thrust Canada’s diplomatic misstep into the global spotlight, reporting on a provocative Ontario anti-tariff ad featuring Ronald Reagan that led U.S. President Donald Trump to terminate trade talks and escalate tensions.
The international coverage showcases Canada's stupidity, say critics, as the fallout reverberates worldwide. Sky News Australia, in a video segment posted on X on October 25 labeled Canada’s actions “egregious,” highlighting Trump’s fury over the ad.
The $75 million campaign, aired by Ontario during the World Series, quoted Reagan’s 1987 radio address: “When someone says, ‘Let’s impose tariffs on foreign imports,’ it looks like they’re doing the patriotic thing... but over the long run, such trade barriers hurt every American worker and consumer.”
The clip aimed to sway Republicans against Trump’s tariffs on Canadian goods. Trump, incensed, posted on Truth Social on October 23: “Canada has fraudulently used an advertisement, which is FAKE, featuring Ronald Reagan speaking negatively about Tariffs... ALL TRADE NEGOTIATIONS WITH CANADA ARE HEREBY TERMINATED.”
He later claimed Reagan “LOVED TARIFFS FOR OUR COUNTRY,” escalating tariffs to 45%. The Reagan Foundation condemned the ad’s “selective audio and video” as misrepresentative, exploring legal action.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford defended it, stating: “President Ronald Reagan knew that we are stronger together.” He paused the campaign on October 25 after talks with Prime Minister Mark Carney, who called Trump’s reaction “disappointing” but affirmed Canada’s readiness to negotiate.
Sky News’ coverage, alongside reports from BBC and Reuters, amplifies Canada’s miscalculation, with economists warning of a 0.5% GDP hit amid USMCA reviews.