On Saturday, Ontario Premier Doug Ford was awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from Saginaw Valley State University in Michigan. During his commencement speech, Ford addressed the audience, acknowledging their curiosity about a Canadian politician's presence at the ceremony. He reflected on his years spent in the U.S. building his family business and praised the enduring cooperation between Canada and the U.S. for over 200 years. University president George Grant Jr. recognized Ford as a friend and thanked him for his role in fostering strong relations in the Great Lakes region. Despite receiving this honor, Ford has positioned himself as a critic of U.S. tariffs and policies, particularly those of President Donald Trump. His stance earned him the nickname “Captain Canada” as he advocated for Canadian interests, including a controversial 25 percent tariff on electricity exports to the U.S., which was suspended shortly after its implementation. This honorary degree symbolizes Ford's dual role as a Canadian leader and a participant in the ongoing dialogue about Canada-U.S. relations.