(TheConservativeTimes.org) – Ontario Premier Doug Ford has revealed he would not hesitate to use Americans as leverage in his fight against President Donald Trump.
Specifically, the premier has threatened to cut off vital electricity exports to New York, Michigan, and Minnesota in response to President Trump’s new tariffs.
The Ontario leader made it clear that if the president proceeds with his 25% tariff plan against Canadian goods, America’s northern power supply will be terminated in a flash.
Speaking at a mining convention in Toronto, Ford did not mince words about his readiness to retaliate against what he claims is an economic attack on his province.
U.S. border states have become heavily dependent on Canadian electricity, with interconnected power grids supplying reliable energy across the northern border.
“If they want to try to annihilate Ontario, I will do everything — including cut off their energy with a smile on my face,” Ford declared, sending a clear message to Washington.
The economic stakes are significant. In 2023 alone, the U.S. imported nearly 33 terawatt-hours of electricity from Canada, generating over $5.8 billion in revenue for Canadian provinces.
Ontario and Quebec lead as the top electricity exporters, with New York, Michigan, and Minnesota serving as the largest American customers for Ontario’s power output.
Ford’s government is taking a hardline stance on reciprocal actions, matching U.S. tariffs with equivalent Canadian measures.
He emphasized provincial and federal cooperation to present a united Canadian front against President Trump.
The premier has ordered additional retaliatory measures, including removing American alcohol products from provincial stores if tariffs take effect.
“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 stated.
Ford also expressed unwavering confidence that his province would emerge victorious in this battle.
His government has prepared a $189-million plan focused on trade war readiness, including $40 billion in new spending to support affected industries and workers should the tariffs be implemented.
President Trump has remained firm on his position, stating, “The tariffs, they’re all set.”
His administration argues these measures are necessary to address issues like drug trafficking at the border and to encourage manufacturers to relocate production to the United States.
Ford is also pushing for Ontario residents to purchase locally-made products, even suggesting potential legislation to highlight Canadian-made goods in stores.
“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,” Ford warned businesses in his province.
This brewing energy standoff highlights the complex interdependence between the U.S. and Canada.
Ultimately, American border states potentially face power disruptions if Ford goes through with his threats.
As the April 2 implementation date for reciprocal U.S. tariffs approaches, the power play between these North American neighbors will likely intensify.
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