Doug Ford Receives Honorary Doctorate From U.S. University Amid Praise And Criticism
Ontario Premier Doug Ford has received an honorary doctorate from a university in the United States, a move that has drawn both recognition and political criticism in Ontario.
Ford was awarded a Doctor of Humane Letters degree by Saginaw Valley State University in Michigan on Saturday, May 2, 2026. The premier appeared in a traditional black cap and gown as he walked onto the stage to accept the honorary degree during the university’s commencement ceremony.
Doug Ford Honoured With U.S. University Degree
The honorary degree marked a notable moment for Ford, who used the ceremony to speak about his personal connection to the United States, his career in business and politics, and the long relationship between Canada and America.
Speaking to graduates, Ford acknowledged that some students may have been wondering why a Canadian politician was addressing them at a Michigan university. He explained that his connection to the U.S. goes back many years, including time spent living and working there while helping grow his family’s printing business.
Ford also highlighted what he described as more than 200 years of co-operation between Canada and the United States, pointing to shared economic, cultural, and regional ties.
NDP Criticizes Ford Over Honorary Degree
While Ford received praise at the ceremony, the honorary doctorate also triggered criticism back home in Ontario.
Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles responded on social media, criticizing the premier for receiving what she described as a “free degree” in the U.S. while accusing his government of reducing support for Ontario students through changes affecting OSAP.
Her remarks added a political edge to the recognition, turning the honorary degree into another point of debate between Ford’s Progressive Conservative government and opposition critics.
Ford Uses Speech To Address Canada-U.S. Trade Tensions
A major part of Ford’s commencement speech focused on Canada’s trade relationship with the United States. The premier spoke about the importance of cross-border co-operation, especially between Ontario and Michigan.
Ontario and Michigan share deep economic links, particularly in the auto manufacturing sector. Ford praised that partnership but warned that tariffs and trade disputes have placed pressure on the relationship.
Using a memorable phrase, Ford said, “We can’t unscramble that egg, we can only make the omelet larger,” suggesting that the two economies are already deeply connected and should focus on expanding opportunities rather than creating barriers.
Ford Repeats Anti-Tariff Message
Ford also repeated a quote from former U.S. president Ronald Reagan about the dangers of tariffs and protectionism. The quote warned that when protectionist policies take hold, markets can shrink, businesses can shut down, and millions of jobs can be put at risk.
The premier used the message to argue that both Canada and the United States have too much to lose if they move away from co-operation. He said the two economies are closely linked and must return to working together.
This was not the first time Ford used Reagan’s remarks to support his anti-tariff message. Last fall, his government used the same words in a $75 million advertisement that aired on several U.S. networks.
Previous Reagan Ad Sparked Trump Backlash
The advertisement previously angered U.S. President Donald Trump, who said he was ending trade talks with Canada because of the anti-tariff campaign. The Ronald Reagan Foundation also said it was reviewing legal options, stating that the Ford government had not received permission to use or edit Reagan’s remarks.
That controversy placed Ford at the centre of a broader Canada-U.S. trade debate and strengthened his public image as one of Canada’s most outspoken political voices against American tariffs.
University President Praises Ford’s Regional Role
Saginaw Valley State University president George Grant Jr. praised Ford during the ceremony, calling him a friend and thanking him for supporting strong relationships in the Great Lakes region.
The university, located in University Center, Michigan, was founded in 1963 and is a public institution. Its decision to honour Ford reflected the premier’s growing profile in cross-border political and economic discussions.
Ford’s “Captain Canada” Image Grows
Ford has worked to position himself as a strong defender of Canada’s economic interests during trade disputes with the United States. Some journalists and political commentators have even referred to him as “Captain Canada” because of his vocal criticism of U.S. tariffs and President Trump’s policies.
The premier has appeared on American news networks to argue for stronger Canada-U.S. co-operation and to warn against the economic harm caused by trade barriers.
His actions have also included symbolic and retaliatory measures. Ford pulled American liquor from LCBO shelves after U.S. tariffs took effect and wore a “Canada Is Not For Sale” hat during a meeting in Ottawa after Trump made threats about annexing Canada.
Michigan Previously Affected By Ford’s Tariff Policy
The honorary degree also comes with an interesting political backdrop because Ford’s anti-tariff policies previously affected Michigan directly.
Ontario imposed a 25 per cent tariff on electricity exports to the United States, targeting areas including Michigan, Minnesota, and New York. The tariff was suspended after one day, but Ontario said it collected $260,000 from the measure, which was expected to affect around 1.5 million homes and businesses.
Despite that earlier tension, Saginaw Valley State University still honoured Ford for his role in promoting regional ties and Canada-U.S. relations.
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