Former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney’s historical relationship with President Ronald Reagan has resurfaced in discussions surrounding Ontario’s controversial advertisements. These ads have Reagan making the case against trade barriers and tariffs. Provoked into action, Ontario Premier Doug Ford countered with an announcement that his government would rescind them after the long weekend. This decision could not have come at a more tense time with respect to whether or not the ads accurately portrayed Reagan’s anti-trade rhetoric.
The Ontario advertisements focus on Reagan’s well-known and vehement opposition to high tariffs. Mulroney, who served as Prime Minister from 1984-1993, played this position masterfully to his own advantage when in office. Mulroney’s efforts to foster a close relationship with Reagan culminated in the “Shamrock Summit” of 1985, a pivotal moment that marked a shift from the colder diplomatic tone established during Pierre Trudeau’s administration. Their deep friendship was underscored at this summit when Mulroney and Reagan sang “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling” to one another.
Geoff Norquay, a senior policy adviser to Mulroney, agreed on the importance of this connection. He stated, “When Mr. Mulroney decided to pursue free trade with the U.S., he recognized that job one was to get President Reagan on side.” That second connection would go on to profoundly shape the course of Canada-U.S. relations. It similarly proved integral to negotiating the Canada-U.S. Free Trade Agreement.
Mulroney’s strategy would require a huge personal effort to persuade Reagan that committing to free trade was necessary. Reagan himself warned of the damaging effects of tariffs in a 1987 radio address, stating, “High tariffs inevitably lead to retaliation by foreign countries and the triggering of fierce trade wars.” He emphasized that tariffs “hurt every American worker and consumer,” highlighting the potential economic consequences of trade barriers.
In light of current trade negotiations and tensions, some observers suggest that Mulroney would advise today’s leaders to cultivate similar relationships with key figures in the U.S. government. David McLaughlin, another senior adviser for Mulroney, expressed confidence in the Ontario ads, stating, “I don’t see the Ontario ad mischaracterizing Reagan on free trade.” He went on to elaborate on the likely misrepresentation by the Reagan foundation about how they plan to portray him in regard to his opposition to tariffs.
So with our own Prime Minister Mark Carney making shy overtures to the Oval Office, there’s easy symmetry here to Mulroney’s playbook. Put in Carney’s shoes, Mulroney would probably draw on his relationship-building talents to cut through the din of difficult trade talks. Norquay remarked, “Do everything you can to get close to President Trump. Avoid situations which inflame him,” reflecting a strategy rooted in understanding the dynamics of personal relationships in politics.
The continued discussion over these ads proves how significant historical context is in today’s political dialogue. Ontario continuously influences and improves its approach to advertising. Yet, it still carries the burden of reconfiguring decades-old trade partnerships and a dynamic sectoral politics.
