The Ontario government is considering a series of retaliatory measures in response to the potential trade war with the U.S. following threats of hefty tariffs by President-Elect Donald Trump. Among the options on the table are cutting power to 1.5 million Americans, restricting imports of U.S.-made alcohol, and limiting exports of critical minerals to the U.S.
Premier Doug Ford, along with fellow provincial leaders, met with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to discuss the looming 25% tariffs that Trump plans to impose on all Canadian imports in the new year. Following the meeting, Ford expressed confidence that the tariffs were imminent, stating there was a “100 percent” chance they would be enacted in early January.
Ford warned of the potential consequences, suggesting that Ontario could halt its energy exports to U.S. border states, which would affect millions of residents. “It would turn off the lights for a million-and-a-half Americans,” Ford told Global News. “If they come at us, we have to stand up for Canadians and Ontarians.”
This threat to disrupt energy supplies is a significant escalation in the trade tensions between the two countries. The Ford government’s response underscores its commitment to protecting Ontario’s interests while warning that the province is prepared to take strong measures if the trade dispute intensifies.
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