The growing trade dispute between Canada and the United States escalated Wednesday when Ontario Premier Doug Ford threatened to cut off energy exports if President-elect Donald Trump imposes a 25% tariff on Canadian goods. The proposed tariffs are part of Trump’s pro-America trade policies aimed at protecting U.S. industries.
Ford’s comments followed a meeting with leftist Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and other provincial leaders. “We will go to the full extent depending on how far this goes. We can’t sit back and roll over,” Ford said, warning that Ontario, a key energy supplier to several U.S. states, is prepared to act.
Ontario supplies nearly half of Michigan’s electricity and plays a critical role in energy exports to Minnesota and New York. While it remains unclear whether other provinces would join Ontario in retaliating, Ford’s comments suggest significant disruption if Canada follows through.
Freeland hinted at additional retaliatory measures, including limiting exports of critical minerals vital to U.S. defense and energy sectors. However, she stopped short of detailing specific plans for oil or electricity, which account for a large share of Canada’s trade with the United States.
Trudeau, a vocal critic of Trump’s policies, described the tariffs as “absolutely devastating” and warned they would harm both economies. However, Trudeau’s comments about the U.S. election, where he criticized Americans for not electing Vice President Kamala Harris, drew sharp criticism from Ford. “Donald Trump was elected democratically. Remarks like that are not helpful,” Ford said.
