Ontario Premier Doug Ford has issued a warning, threatening to cut off energy exports to the United States if President-elect Donald Trump follows through on his proposed 25% tariffs on Canadian goods. Ford made the remarks Wednesday following a meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and other provincial leaders, as Canada braces for potential economic fallout from Trump’s aggressive trade policies.
“We will go to the full extent, depending on how far this goes,” Ford said. “We will go to the extent of cutting off their energy.”
The proposed tariffs, aimed at curbing migration and drug flow, would severely impact Canada’s economy. About 60% of U.S. crude oil imports and 85% of electricity imports come from Canada, with Ontario alone powering 1.5 million American homes in 2023. Ford noted that his province is a key energy supplier to states like Michigan, Minnesota, and New York.
Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland voiced support for a strong response, stating Canada would defend its trade interests. While Freeland did not specifically confirm plans to cut oil exports, she emphasized that other measures, including restricting critical minerals exported to the U.S., are being considered.
Canada’s trade relationship with the U.S. is critical, with $2.7 billion in goods crossing the border daily. However, Ford and other leaders have expressed frustration over Trump’s rhetoric, which Ford predicts will spark a trade conflict shortly after the January 20 inauguration.
The Premier’s comments follow mounting tension between the U.S. and Canada, which has already seen retaliatory tariffs during Trump’s first term. Economists warn that new tariffs could dramatically raise costs for U.S. consumers on goods such as food, clothing, and automobiles, while devastating Canadian industries.
As Canada prepares for possible economic repercussions, Ford also criticized Trudeau for recent remarks lamenting U.S. voters’ choice of Trump over Kamala Harris. “They are not helpful at all,” Ford said. “Donald Trump was elected democratically. If you like him or don’t like him, that’s not our issue.”
