Canadian leader threatens to halt energy exports to US
The ongoing trade tensions between the United States and Canada have escalated, with Ontario Premier Doug Ford threatening to cut off energy exports to the U.S. in response to President Donald Trump’s tariffs. During a mining convention on Monday, Ford reiterated his stance, stating that he would do so “with a smile on my face” and emphasizing that the U.S. needs to “feel the pain.”
Ford’s remarks come at a time when Canada is a significant supplier of electricity to the U.S., with New York, Michigan, and Minnesota being Ontario’s top three customers for domestically-produced power. In 2022, Canada’s revenue from electricity exports to the U.S. reached a record high of $5.8 billion, according to the Canada Energy Regulator.
The Ontario Premier made it clear that he is prepared to match any tariffs imposed by the U.S. with retaliatory measures of his own. “They want to come at us hard, we’re going to come back twice as hard,” Ford stated. He also emphasized the unity among Canadian provinces in standing up to the U.S., regardless of the federal government’s leadership.
In response to Trump’s tariffs, Canada announced retaliatory measures targeting U.S. goods. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, along with other provincial leaders, have also warned of additional actions. Trudeau emphasized the negative impact of a trade war, stating that “a fight with Canada will have no winners” and highlighting the harm it could cause to both American and Canadian families.
As the trade dispute continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the White House will respond to Ford’s threats and Canada’s retaliatory measures. The escalating tensions between the two countries underscore the complexities of international trade relations and the potential consequences of protectionist policies.
