Ontario's representative in Washington, D.C., David Paterson said U.S. officials are now interested in a trade pact following Premier Doug Ford's recent visit.

The development signals a potential shift in cross-border economic relations. If a new agreement is reached, it could redefine the flow of goods and services between Canada and the U.S. under a more integrated economic framework.

Ford concluded a two-day [1] trade mission to Washington, D.C., on Tuesday [2]. The visit focused on the "Fortress North America" pitch, a strategy designed to strengthen economic ties and pursue a new free-trade agreement between the two nations.

Paterson said American officials have shown interest in the proposal. He said, "It's time for a deal."

Ford's itinerary included meetings held on Monday and Tuesday [2] during his time in the capital. The mission aimed to position Ontario as a critical partner in a reinforced North American trade bloc.

However, reports on the reception of the mission are mixed. While Paterson indicates a desire for a deal, other reports suggest the White House voiced complaints regarding the reception of the visit, implying a level of reluctance to engage from certain federal officials.

Despite these contradictions, Paterson said that the appetite for a formal agreement is present. The "Fortress North America" concept seeks to insulate the regional economy from global volatility by deepening the reliance on neighboring partners.

“"It's time for a deal."”

The divergence between David Paterson's optimism and reported White House reluctance highlights the tension between provincial economic ambitions and federal diplomatic realities. While Ontario is aggressively pursuing a 'Fortress North America' model to secure supply chains, the actualization of a new trade pact depends on whether U.S. federal interests align with the specific economic priorities of the Ford administration.