They are making a bold move.
In reaction to President Donald Trump’s tariffs, the Premier of Ontario, Doug Ford, issued a bold warning, stating he would consider cutting energy supplies to the United States, asserting that “they need to feel the pain.” Ford made these comments during a mining convention, emphasizing his determination to retaliate if the U.S. continued its aggressive stance. He remarked, “If they want to try to annihilate Ontario, I will do everything – including cut off their energy with a smile on my face,” and added that Ontario would respond “twice as hard” if provoked further.
The U.S. is a key customer for Ontario’s electricity, particularly in states like New York, Michigan, and Minnesota, which are the largest consumers of the province’s power. In 2022, Canada earned a record $5.8 billion from electricity exports to the U.S., according to the Canada Energy Regulator. Ford has indicated that Ontario would mirror the U.S. tariffs and stand firm alongside the federal government in addressing the trade tensions.
In retaliation to the U.S. tariffs, Canada had already announced its own set of tariffs on U.S. goods. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, along with other provincial leaders, has warned of further measures in response. Trudeau stated, “A fight with Canada will have no winners,” signaling his opposition to escalating trade disputes with the U.S.
