Ontario throne speech condemns ‘chaos and uncertainty’ caused by U.S. tariffs, economic threats | CBC

Speech wrapped, once more with an eye to the U.S.

Dumont closed her speech, again pointing to the existential threat south of the border.

She harkened back to when Ontario faced invasion and annexation from the United States during the War of 1812, when then-president Thomas Jefferson predicted that taking over Canada would be “a mere matter of marching.”

“Much like the current occupant of the White House, President Jefferson greatly underestimated the strength and resilience of the Canadian people,” she said. “Two years and eight months later, American soldiers marched home, defeated.”

Canada and Ontario have faced down threats like world wars and a global pandemic, she said, only to emerge stronger.

“As we face this latest challenge, that same strength and resilience, that same sense of unity and purpose will guide us forward.”