Carney says he told Ontario premier not to run anti-tariff ad, apologized to Trump

GYEONJU – Prime Minister Mark Carney says he told Ontario Premier Doug Ford not to run an ad campaign blamed for stalling trade talks with the United States

Carney also confirmed that he apologized to US President Donald Trump, both because the president was offended by the ad and because he wouldn't do it.

The apology came at a dinner Wednesday hosted by the South Korean president at the start of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in Gyeongju.

US President Donald Trump looks at Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney as they raise their glasses during a toast at a work dinner in Gyeongju, South Korea, Wednesday, October 29, 2025. They were among a small group of world leaders invited to a dinner hosted by South Korean President Lee Jae-myung. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wilde

Trump broke off trade talks late last week, citing his frustration with the Ontario government's anti-tariff television advertising campaign in American markets.

The ad featured former President Ronald Reagan arguing against the tariffs in a radio address in 1987, and Trump said the ad was false.