PC leader Doug Ford is skipping the provincial election campaign for a trip to Washington.

He is meeting with business and political leaders to put pressure on the Trump Administration in foregoing tariffs on goods from Canada.

Ford, was joined by Vic Fedeli and Stephen Lecce in kicking off visit with a speech to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

He says a trade war with Canada is unnecessary and will hurt both countries.

“Over the last few months, I’ve met and spoken with senators, congressmen and governors from every region of America and from both sides of the aisle,” says Ford.

“They say this is the craziest thing I’ve ever heard. And no matter if it’s Democrat or Republican, I have yet to hear one elected official down here and say that’s a great idea. Let’s attack Canada economically.”

Ford is promoting his Fortress Am-Can that aims to build stronger relations and trade between the two countries.

Ford sees China being a bigger economic threat and that Canada and the U.S. should be working together to combat it.

“Together, let’s put an end to Chinese trans-shipments through Mexico into American and Canadian markets. Every member of the United States Mexico Canada agreement needs to match or exceed U.S. tariffs on Chinese products,” says Ford.

Ford also supported measures that protect against Chinese investment or ownership of sections like energy and critical minerals.

“America has had enough. American workers have had enough. And I’ve had enough.”

Ford has further meetings Tuesday and Wednesday, although a meeting with President Trump is not yet among them.