The Great White North shows its teeth in a brewing trade war with the U.S., as Canadian leaders threaten to pull the plug on crucial energy exports to America. Despite these strong-arm tactics, Ontario Premier Doug Ford has issued a backhanded apology to everyday Americans, squarely placing blame on President Trump’s doorstep.
At a Glance
- Ontario Premier Doug Ford threatened to cut off electricity exports to the U.S. in response to Trump’s 25% tariffs
- Ford apologized to American citizens, saying “It’s not you, it’s your President that’s causing this problem”
- Canada exported $3.2 billion worth of electricity to the U.S. in 2023, powering approximately 1.5 million American homes
- Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced retaliatory 25% tariffs on over $20 billion worth of U.S. imports
- Ford also threatened to cut off nickel exports, with Ontario supplying nearly half of America’s nickel needs
Canadian Leader Threatens Energy Cutoff While Blaming Trump
In an escalating trade dispute, Ontario Premier Doug Ford has issued a stern warning that he’s prepared to cut off vital electricity exports to the United States while simultaneously apologizing to the American people for the disruption. The conservative Canadian leader made it clear that his grievance lies not with American citizens but with President Trump’s administration, which recently imposed sweeping 25% tariffs on imports from Canada.
Ford, the brother of late controversial Toronto Mayor Rob Ford, didn’t mince words when describing how he’d respond to what he views as an economic attack on his province. Ontario currently supplies enough electricity to power 1.5 million American homes in states like New York, Michigan, and Minnesota – a reality Ford is prepared to leverage as a bargaining chip.
“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 said.
Trudeau Joins the Fight Against Trump’s Tariffs
The trade dispute isn’t limited to Ontario. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced Canada will impose retaliatory tariffs on approximately $20.7 billion worth of U.S. imports, with potential for additional measures if American tariffs remain in place.
The stakes of the dispute extend beyond electricity. Mr. Ford has also threatened to restrict nickel exports, with Ontario currently supplying 46% of America’s nickel – a critical component in stainless steel production.
New York Governor Downplays Canadian Threats
Despite the heated rhetoric from north of the border, New York Governor Kathy Hochul has expressed skepticism that Ford would follow through on his threats to cut power. She cited their positive working relationship and suggested that diplomatic channels would prevail over retaliatory measures that would harm citizens on both sides of the border.
“I’d be happy to have additional conversations with him on how we can support each other during this crisis,” Hochul said.
