Ontario Premier Doug Ford has drawn a hard line against the U.S. after Donald Trump’s administration announced punishing new tariffs on Canadian goods—threatening to retaliate by cutting electricity to 1.5 million American customers. The fiery response underscores rising tensions between the two nations.
Trump’s tariffs, which include a 25% duty on Canadian exports and a 10% tax on energy, were framed as a strategy to combat drug trafficking and illegal immigration. But Ford, riding high after a third election victory, called the move an economic assault. “If they want to destroy Ontario, I’ll turn off their power—and I’ll enjoy it,” he declared.
Ontario supplies energy to key U.S. states, including New York and Michigan, giving Ford significant leverage. At a Toronto industry event, he doubled down, warning that Canada would respond with even greater force if pressured. “They depend on us,” he said. “Let’s see how they handle it when we fight back.”
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has rejected the tariffs as unfounded, signaling a potential worsening of U.S.-Canada relations. With both sides refusing to back down, the conflict could soon reach a boiling point.
