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Premiers Split on Using Potash as a Trade Weapon — What It Means for Your Grocery Bill

  Published August 31, 2026 Canada's premiers can't agree on how far to take the trade war with the United States — and this week, the fight is over a grey mineral mined almost 2,000 kilometres from Ottawa: potash. The disagreement matters well beyond provincial politics. Potash is the "P" and "K" of fertilizer economics — a key ingredient in the blends that grow the wheat, canola, and corn that eventually show up as bread, canola oil, and everything fed to livestock. Canada supplies about 85% of the potash the U.S. uses, which is exactly why some premiers see it as leverage — and why others are warning that pulling that lever could backfire on the very provinces pushing for it. Ford wants to pull the lever. Moe and Smith are warning not to. Ontario Premier Doug Ford is pushing for the toughest response available, including resource-based leverage. Saskatchewan's Scott Moe and Alberta's Danielle Smith are pumping the brakes, warning that squeezing po...

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Trade Tensions Escalate as Trump Maintains Tariffs Amid Ford's Policy Shift

 

In a recent development, U.S. President Donald Trump has decided to keep the 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports intact, despite Ontario Premier Doug Ford's decision to lift the electricity tax on U.S.-bound energy. The tariffs, initially imposed as part of a broader trade strategy, have been a point of contention between the two nations.

Ford's move to remove the electricity tax was seen as an olive branch to ease trade tensions. However, Trump's administration has opted to maintain the tariffs, citing the need to protect domestic industries. This decision has sparked mixed reactions, with some applauding the commitment to American manufacturing, while others criticize the potential strain on U.S.-Canada relations.

The ongoing trade dispute underscores the complexities of international economic policies and their far-reaching implications. As both leaders stand firm on their respective stances, the path to resolution remains uncertain.

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