Ontario Premier Doug Ford Warns of Energy Cutoff Amid U.S. Tariff Threats

In a strong response to the potential tariffs proposed by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Canadian imports, Ontario Premier Doug Ford has raised the possibility of cutting off energy exports to the United States. This dramatic warning follows a virtual meeting between Ford, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and other provincial leaders to address the brewing trade tensions.

“We will go to the full extent depending on how far this goes. Cutting off energy supplies to Michigan, New York State, and Wisconsin is on the table,” Ford stated to reporters after the meeting. “I don’t want this to happen, but my top priority is protecting Ontarians and Canadians as a whole.”

Canada is the largest source of energy imports for the U.S., making Ford’s threat significant. Although the premier refrained from elaborating on specific plans, he emphasized that both federal and provincial governments are preparing a list of American goods to target with retaliatory tariffs. Mexico has also signaled its readiness to impose similar measures.

“We’ll use every tool available, including cutting off energy we’re sending south,” Ford added.

Ford predicted that the tariffs are imminent, stating, “This isn’t a question of if, but when. It’s coming—January 20th or 21st. We need to be prepared.” He called for national unity to confront the potential economic fallout, urging Canadians to “stand hand in hand and shoulder to shoulder” across provinces.

Ontario’s trade with the U.S. totaled approximately $500 billion in 2023, underscoring the importance of the relationship. Ford described the trade ties as more vital to Ontario than to any other province.

During the meeting, the federal government presented a preliminary plan addressing U.S. concerns about border issues, including fentanyl trafficking and irregular migration—key reasons cited by Trump for the proposed tariffs. Trudeau pledged to enhance border security, including deploying additional Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) officers.

“They have a plan, and it’s a good start,” Ford said. “But having a plan is one thing; implementing it is another.”

Prime Minister Trudeau echoed this sentiment, tweeting, “Team Canada is working together to defend what matters most to Canadians: good jobs, a secure border, and a strong partnership with the United States.”

Ford has not yet been contacted by Trump’s team for a potential meeting at the Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida but expressed his willingness to discuss the issue directly. Last month, Trudeau met with Trump in Florida to address the tariffs, a meeting that was initially seen as productive but later marred by Trump’s mocking remarks on social media.

In a surprising twist, Ford criticized Trudeau’s recent comments about Americans not electing Kamala Harris as president, which sparked backlash from prominent figures, including Elon Musk. Ford noted that Trudeau’s remarks were unhelpful and were brought up multiple times during their meeting.

“Donald Trump was elected democratically. Whether you like him or not, that’s not the issue,” Ford said. “The prime minister got the message loud and clear.”

As trade tensions escalate, Ford’s comments underscore the high stakes for Canada’s economic relationship with the U.S., with energy exports and retaliatory tariffs poised to become key flashpoints in the months ahead.