Photo: Frank Gunn The Canadian Press Ontario Premier Doug Ford at a news conference on funding for police helicopters in Mississauga on July 29, 2024. Ford says he's “glad as hell” that Minnesota's governor, Tim Walz was chosen as Kamala Harris' running mate on the Democratic presidential ticket.
Kelly Geraldine Malone – The Canadian Press in Washington
Published at 12:26 a.m.
- Canada
Premiers who share a border with Minnesota say Tim Walz understands the importance of cultural and trade ties between America and Canada, after the governor was chosen as U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris' running mate on the Democratic presidential ticket.
“I was thrilled as hell,” Ontario Premier Doug Ford shared of Walz’s candidacy at a news conference in Mississauga on Wednesday.
Tim Walz made his debut with Harris at a high-energy rally Tuesday night in Philadelphia, kicking off their tour of the state.
The premier’s comments come just two months after they met in Ford’s office at the Ontario legislature. Ford said they discussed how to strengthen economic ties between Ontario and Minnesota, including the agriculture and energy sectors.
Mr. Walz is known for his “Minnesota guy” demeanor, and leaders north of the 49th parallel hope his collaboration with Canada will continue if Democrats return to the White House.
“We had a lot in common when we sat down,” Ford said, adding that he and Walz — who used to coach high school football — also threw a ball around his office. Afterward, Ford presented Walz with a Canadian Football League football.
200% Deposit Bonus up to €3,000 180% First Deposit Bonus up to $20,000Ontario and Minnesota have $7.6 billion in bilateral trade, the Ontario premier said.
Ties with Manitoba
Minnesota shares an 885-kilometre border with Canada, stretching through Ontario and Manitoba.
“I think it would be good for Manitoba if someone in the White House could not only put our province on a map, but also be someone who knows our hydroelectricity and our (agricultural) industry,” Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew said Wednesday.
“That's what Governor Walz could provide,” he added.
Kinew didn't exchange footballs with Walz, but said there are strong cultural and economic ties between Manitoba and Minnesota.
Manitobans travel to Minnesota for sports, shopping and vacations. There are also significant trade relationships in manufacturing, agriculture and energy.
Relationships to be maintained
Whichever party wins the election will be in power during an upcoming review of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement in 2026, the first since former President Donald Trump pushed to renegotiate the old North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
In preparation for the trade talks, Manitoba’s NDP government has reached out to members of both parties, including North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, who has been rumoured to be a likely member of Trump’s cabinet if he returns to the White House.
North Dakota also shares a long border with Manitoba, and Burgum has important insight into Canada-U.S. relations, Kinew said.
“However the American public decides to vote, we're going to work very hard to identify key allies who know Manitoba well,” Kinew added.
Wave of enthusiasm
The new Democratic ticket has generated a wave of enthusiasm since Joe Biden withdrew from the nomination over concerns about his age to support Ms. Harris.
Mr. Walz spoke to thousands about the importance of “community” at an outdoor rally he headlined with Harris on Wednesday in Eau Claire, Wis.
The newly formed Democratic team is striking a decidedly more positive tone, with Harris calling herself and Walz “joyful warriors” as they begin the sprint toward the November election.
“This idea of caring for a neighbor, of kindness, of a helping hand when someone needs it,” Walz illustrated to the crowd as one fan appeared to receive assistance after struggling in the direct summer sun. “That’s who we are.”
With reporting from The Associated Press