Ford doubles down on threat to cut off energy to U.S. amid spectre of trade war
Newly re-elected Premier Doug Ford doubled down Monday on his threat to cut off electricity flowing from Ontario to several American states if the U.S. moves ahead with tariffs.
"If they want to try to annihilate Ontario, I will do anything — including cutting off their energy — with a smile on my face," Ford said during his first news conference since winning a third majority last week. Ontario is a major electricity exporter to New York, Michigan and Minnesota.
"They need to feel the pain. They want to come at us? We've got to go back twice as hard," Ford continued.
The comments came on the eve of , and 10 per cent on energy.
The import levies could potentially devastate several key Ontario industries like auto manufacturing and steel production, as well as drive up retail prices and fuel more inflation. You can learn more about the impending tariffs here.
Ford added his government is also prepared to implement a surcharge on every megawatt of energy states purchase from Ontario and "rip up" a $100-million deal with Elon Musk's Starlink internet company. The LCBO has already been directed to remove all American booze from its shelves if Trump moves ahead with his threats.
He similarly urged consumers, retailers and municipalities to source goods from Ontario, and from elsewhere in Canada if they can't be found in the province.
Ford said he is "asking politely" before he implements legislation that could require retailers to highlight Canadian-made products on their shelves.
"So please, please work with us, or we're going to legislate it. And start onshoring goods from — you're bringing (goods) around the world — there's nothing we can't build here in Ontario, absolutely nothing," he said.
WATCH | Ford on a possible trade war:
Ford threatens retaliatory trade measures on alcohol, Starlink on eve of U.S. tariffs
5 hours ago
Duration 1:49
Ontario Premier Doug Ford outlined his plan to 'win this tariff war' if Donald Trump makes good on his threat to impost a 25 per cent tariff on Canadian exports, saying he's willing to act on a range of issues — including, if needed, cutting off energy exports from Ontario 'with a smile on my face.'
Ford was mum on whether Ontario would apply any retaliatory tariffs at the provincial level, but Ford again repeated his support for the federal government to go "dollar for dollar" in its response.
Ontario's strategy for a trade war with the U.S. was central to the four-week, $189-million snap election campaign that came to a close last Thursday.
The Progressive Conservatives platform included about $40 billion in new spending promises, with roughly half of that aimed at supporting industries and workers who could be hurt by tariffs. That includes a new $5-billion Protect Ontario Account, $10 billion in support for employers through a tax deferral, up to $3 billion more in payroll and premium relief and up to $40 million for municipalities.
Ford makes false claim about election win
When Ford triggered the election in late January, he appealed to voters for the "largest mandate in Ontario's history" to help his government navigate four years of the Trump administration.
The PCs picked up 80 seats — a sizeable majority of 17, but only one more than at dissolution and three fewer than they won in 2022.
Despite the result and costly price tag, Ford said Monday the election was "100 per cent" worth it.
There's no question three straight majorities is a rare and impressive political feat in Ontario. It hasn't been done in the province in over 65 years.
Speaking Monday, though, Ford claimed "no government in the history of Ontario were able to accomplish what we have accomplished." He pointed to the fact the PCs increased their vote share in three consecutive elections, with 40.5 per cent, 40.8 per cent and 43 per cent in 2018, 2022 and 2025, respectively.
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Toronto Star
an hour ago
- Toronto Star
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The Province
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Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. 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Winnipeg Free Press
2 hours ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
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Trump has long wanted a parade, and Army leaders defended it as a good way to attract new recruits. Other questions may involve the costs of expanding the use of military forces to secure the southern border, the plans for the Golden Dome missile defense program, and how the department intends to fund modernization programs for drones and other critical weapons systems.
