Canada

The Ontario government sponsored Fox News host Sean Hannity’s prime-time interview with Donald Trump and Elon Musk, part of the multimillion-dollar advertising campaign the province is rolling out as the U.S. President repeatedly threatens to impose tariffs on Canadian goods.

While the campaign is expected to cost tens of millions of dollars, the province is refusing to say exactly how much money is being spent on the ads, including the one for Hannity, one of the highest-rated U.S. cable news shows. Fox also did not respond to requests for comment about the cost and frequency of the ads.

The sponsorship ad aired during Tuesday night’s Hannity, before Mr. Hannity’s pre-recorded interview with Mr. Trump and Mr. Musk, the tech entrepreneur and Tesla CEO who leads the newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiative in the Trump administration.

“This program is brought to you by Ontario, Canada, your trusted economic partner,” the ad said, accompanied by an “Ontario Canada” logo with a maple leaf. It was followed by an Ontario government commercial that showcases the strong economic ties between the two countries.

I A spokesperson for Ontario Progressive Conservative Leader Doug Ford’s re-election campaign said the sponsorship is part of the province’s original deal with Fox and that no new money is being spent during the campaign, which will see Ontarians go to the polls on Feb. 27.

As part of our U.S.-based marketing campaign that’s raising awareness about Ontario’s importance to America’s economic success, Fox offered the province the opportunity to sponsor programming,” Grace Lee said in an e-mail.

“This was included as part of an overall ad buy that was finalized weeks ago. With President Trump threatening tariffs that would devastate Ontario’s economy, we will do whatever it takes to stand up for Canadians, including by taking our message to U.S. airwaves and the shows we know Republicans and President Trump watch.”

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