Victor Fedeli: On Trump & Trade

Building a resilient Ontario economic and trade strategy has become the province’s primary defense against the daily twists and turns of global tariff volatility. In this high-stakes keynote, Minister Victor Fedeli highlights a critical shift: while U.S. federal courts have at times blocked sweeping global trade tariffs, the persistent threat of executive overreach under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act creates a climate of uncertainty that Canadian firms must navigate. Fedeli reveals that Ontario is responding not just with advocacy, but with a billion-dollar provincial relief plan designed to lower the cost of doing business and protect nearly one million new jobs.

The technical core of the current Ontario economic and trade strategy is a aggressive move toward interprovincial free trade and global market diversification. By removing domestic trade barriers through the Protect Ontario through Free Trade within Canada Act, the province is unlocking internal growth to offset cross-border friction. Minister Fedeli explains how Ontario is positioning itself as a stable beachhead for international investors in life sciences, artificial intelligence, and critical minerals—sectors that the U.S. defense industry relies upon heavily. This strategic positioning ensures that even amidst a trade war, Ontario’s bread-and-butter industries remain indispensable to the North American supply chain.

Ultimately, the Ontario economic and trade strategy focuses on maintaining a predictable, rule-of-law environment that contrasts with the instability south of the border. From significant WSIB premium rebates to interest-free tax deferrals for local manufacturers, the government is using every available tool to bolster institutional resilience. This session provides an insider’s look at how the province is leveraging its $500 million critical minerals fund and new trade MOUs to ensure that the Ontario economic and trade strategy continues to deliver prosperity, regardless of the political climate in Washington.

Key takeaways from Minister Fedeli’s keynote:

• The impact of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act on Canadian financial stability.
• Strategic diversification into European and Asian markets for critical minerals and defense.
• Leveraging interprovincial free trade to build a self-sustaining internal Canadian market.

Watch the full address to learn how your organization can align with the latest Ontario economic and trade strategy to mitigate cross-border risk.