New Chapter in Ontario’s Relationship with the United States

QUEEN’S PARK — Today, Premier Doug Ford announced that Ontario’s Government for the People is marking a new chapter in the province’s relationship with the United States.

“I am pleased that we are beginning a new chapter in Ontario’s long relationship with the United States. I am so happy to announce that we intend to appoint Ian Todd to be Ontario’s Trade Representative in Washington,” said Ford. “In the new era of USMCA, we need someone who is strategically minded, has extensive government experience, and will put Ontario’s interests first. Todd is well suited to promote Ontario’s diversity and diverse economy.”

In his capacity in senior positions in several federal and provincial governments, and as an executive in the energy industry, Todd spent much of his time promoting Canadian interests with counterparts in the United States and abroad. Leveraging his unique expertise and experience, Todd will serve in two separate roles: Ontario’s Trade Representative to the United States and as Special Advisor to the Premier.

“I am honoured to take on the challenge of this new chapter. Ontario has the largest population and is the economic driver of Canada,” said Todd. “The province’s representation is paramount to the province’s ability to attract new investment and expand trade with the United States.”

The Ontario Office in Washington, D.C. is a relatively new office at the Canadian mission in the United States capital. The priorities of the Office are to promote Ontario’s interests in the United States as well as cross border trade and investment. Premier Ford has been clear that Ontario’s representation in the United States is the only way to ensure that the province is front and centre in the USMCA era.