In a bold move that could have significant cross-border implications, Ontario Premier Doug Ford has suggested potentially severe retaliatory measures against the United States.
These measures include severing electricity supply to approximately 1.5 million Americans in response to proposed trade tariffs by President-elect Donald Trump.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford's warning comes amid heated trade discussions initiated by Trump's proposal to implement a sweeping 25% tariff on all products imported from Canada. Trump framed this tariff, discussed with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and other premiers, as a measure to curb illegal immigration and drug smuggling.
Ford, justifying the radical measures, emphasized that Ontario is prepared to "stand up for Canadians and Ontarians," especially if Trump's proposed tariffs take effect. During a public exchange, Ford articulated the protective stance his government is ready to adopt, asserting a willingness to "use every tool in our toolbox to defend Ontarians and Canadians across the border."
The premier's proposed cutoff would impact the electricity supply from Ontario, which significantly powers U.S. border states such as Michigan and New York. Last year alone, Canada exported about 33.2 million megawatt hours of electricity to the U.S., reflecting the country's stature as the largest energy exporter to its southern neighbor.
In addition to threatening electricity cutoffs, Premier Ford is also considering imposing restrictions on the export of critical minerals used in electric vehicle batteries. This could significantly hamper US industries dependent on these materials. Moreover, Ford hinted at the possibility of banning US firms from provincial procurement processes, further escalating trade tensions.
Ford states that these aggressive measures are a necessary response to Trump's tariff threats, which the Ontario premier sees as having a "100%" chance of being implemented. Trump has been vocal about his views on trade imbalances with Canada, repeatedly accusing the country of unfair practices that disadvantage the U.S.
Should Ford follow through with these measures, the financial repercussions for Ontario could be profound, with potential losses reaching up to $500 million in revenue. Additionally, other Canadian provinces are reportedly considering joining Ontario in this stand, which could amplify the impact of these countermeasures.
Ford specifically highlighted the enhanced effect if both Ontario and Quebec, two large provincial powerhouses, were to simultaneously shut off their electricity exports to the U.S. A source familiar with these discussions noted, "Shutting off its electricity is one thing, Ontario and Quebec shutting off electricity is entirely another thing."
During tariff negotiations, as reported by Fox News, there was a tense exchange between Trudeau and Trump. Trudeau urged against the tariffs, to which Trump responded dismissively, questioning Canada’s economic practices. Trump also caused a stir at a private dinner when he referred to Trudeau humorously as the “governor” of the “Great State of Canada,” playfully considering Canada as the hypothetical 51st US state.
Doug Ford conveyed his hopes to Global News, asserting, "It would turn off the lights to a million-and-a-half Americans. If they come at us we have to stand up for Canadians, we have to stand up for Ontarians," and added, "Let’s hope that never comes to that point."
In a post on Truth Social, Trump defended his tariff plan, stating, "As everyone is aware, thousands of people are pouring through Mexico and Canada, bringing Crime and Drugs at levels never seen before," highlighting a caravan from Mexico as a particular security concern.
The potential for a severe trade war looms large on the horizon, with implications that could affect millions on both sides of the border. These proposed measures by Ontario represent a significant stance against perceived economic aggressions and underscore the serious nature of international trade relations.
