Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario, Canada’s most populous province, has issued a stark warning amid escalating trade tensions with the United States. Ford stated he is prepared to halt energy exports to neighboring U.S. states if President-elect Donald Trump follows through on his plan to impose 25% tariffs on all Canadian goods.
“We need to be ready to fight,” Ford declared following a high-level meeting with Canada’s premiers and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. The meeting focused on strategies to counter the looming threat of tariffs, which Trump has pledged to implement upon taking office in January.
Ford, whose province sends 85% of its exports—including billions in automotive parts—to a handful of U.S. states, stressed the potential economic devastation such tariffs could cause. “But we will go to the full extent, depending how far this goes,” Ford said, referencing the possibility of cutting energy exports to states like Michigan, New York, and Wisconsin.
“I don’t want this to happen, but my number one job is to protect Ontario, Ontarians, and Canadians as a whole,” he added.
A Vulnerable Province
Ontario’s economy is deeply intertwined with the United States, making it particularly vulnerable to the proposed levies. Canada supplies about 60% of American oil imports and a significant portion of its electricity. In 2022, Canadian electricity exports to the U.S. hit a record C$5.8 billion, with Ontario contributing 13.9 million megawatt-hours.
While Quebec remains the largest electricity exporter, Ford’s threat underscores the critical role Ontario plays in North American energy trade. Ford’s comments also aim to pressure U.S. state governors by highlighting the integrated nature of cross-border economies.
However, questions remain over Ford’s ability to follow through on the energy threat, as premiers do not control international energy policy.
A Broader Fight
The premier’s defiant stance reflects mounting frustration in Canada over Trump’s trade rhetoric. Last month, Trump vowed to impose the tariffs as part of his effort to curb drug trafficking and illegal immigration, claiming the levies would remain until “such time as drugs, in particular fentanyl, and all illegal aliens stop this invasion of our country!”
Trump has also mocked Canadian leaders, recently referring to Prime Minister Trudeau as the “governor” of a potential “51st state.”
In response, Ford has urged a united front among Canadian leaders. “We will use every tool in our toolbox to fight back,” he said. “We can’t sit back and roll over. We just won’t as a country. And isn’t this a shame—our closest friends and allies.”
As the January 20 inauguration nears, Canadian officials are preparing for what Ford described as an “inevitable fight.” The potential tariffs, and Canada’s response, could have far-reaching implications for the integrated economies of North America.