Canada’s most populous province has threatened possible retaliation against the US, vowing to back the country’s unified response to President Donald Trump’s 25% tariffs on imports— even if it involves cutting off electricity supplies to America.
Speaking at a mining convention in Toronto on Monday, Ontario Premier Doug Ford issued a stark warning, stating: “If they want to try to annihilate Ontario, I will do everything, including cut off their energy, with a smile on my face.”
“They rely on our energy, they need to feel the pain. They want to come at us hard, we’re going to come back twice as hard,” Ford added, the Toronto Sun reported.
During a subsequent CNN interview, Ford expressed regret to Americans whilst outlining his contingency strategy, which included the possibility of suspending electrical supply from Ontario that currently serves 1.5 million homes across New York, Michigan and Minnesota.
“This situation is unnecessary, but we have no choice but to respond. I sincerely apologize to the American people—this isn’t about you. It’s your president who is creating this problem,” Ford continued.
“This is unnecessary, and we do have to retaliate, and I apologise to the American people. It’s not you, it’s your president that’s causing this problem,” he added.
The Canadian official issued power cut warnings shortly before Trump’s tariff measures took effect. There was uncertainty whether the premier referred to nationwide energy export cuts to the US or specifically from his province.
Ford reiterated his previous commitment to reciprocate Trump’s 25% taxation on all Canadian, Mexican and Chinese imports to the United States with equivalent measures. “I [didn’t] start this tariff war, but we’re going to win this tariff war,” Ford said.
“The provinces have a big say in it, but it’s the federal government that’s leading the charge, and we’re going to stand shoulder to shoulder no matter who’s in the federal government,” he further added.
When questioned about Ford’s statements, Governor Kathy Hochul expressed her confidence that he would not implement these measures, citing their cordial relationship.
“I’d be happy to have additional conversations with him on how we can support each other during this crisis, so I feel positive that anything within his power that he can control – that we do not have a target on our backs,” the New York governor said, the New York Post reported.
In response, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau promptly announced 25% tariffs on C$30 billion (US$20.7 billion) of US imports, including orange juice, peanut butter, wine, spirits, beer, coffee, appliances, apparel, footwear, motorcycles, cosmetics, and pulp and paper.
Trudeau further warned that if Trump’s tariffs remained in effect after 21 days, Canada would respond by imposing additional tariffs on C$125 billion worth of imports.
