(VitalNews.org) – After President Donald Trump doubled down on his massive tariffs plan to revitalize America’s manufacturing industry, Canada’s threats of retaliation got real.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford is ready to cut off electricity exports to the U.S. with “a smile on my face” if President Trump follows through with his planned 25% tariffs on Canadian goods.
This bold counter-move could leave millions of Americans in border states without power as the intensifying trade war threatens unsuspecting citizens.
Speaking at a mining convention in Toronto, Ford made it clear he would not hesitate to stop the flow of electricity if the U.S. implements the tariffs set to begin April 2.
The Canadian politician did not mince words when describing how he would respond to actions he views as an attempt to damage Ontario’s economy.
“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. “I didn’t start this tariff war, but we’re going to win this tariff war.”
Ontario’s threat carries serious weight. The province exports significant electricity to New York, Michigan, and Minnesota – states that rely heavily on Canadian power.
In 2023 alone, the U.S. imported approximately 33 terawatt-hours of electricity from Canada, with sales generating over $5.8 billion in revenue.
Unlike Texas, which maintains its own power grid, most of the United States and Canada operate on interconnected systems.
This interdependence means Ford’s threat could create real problems for American border states that depend on Canadian electricity, especially during peak demand periods.
Ford’s aggressive stance represents Canada’s growing frustration with President Trump’s America First policy.
The premier emphasized that Ontario would match U.S. tariffs with equivalent Canadian tariffs and coordinate their response with the federal government.
“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.
The Ontario leader is not stopping with electricity. He is proposing a surcharge on energy exports and canceling a deal with Elon Musk’s Starlink if tariffs proceed.
Additionally, Ford directed the Liquor Control Board of Ontario to remove American alcohol from shelves if the trade war escalates.
While some critics may view Ford’s threats as mere posturing, they are part of a $189-million election campaign focused on trade war preparedness.
If tariffs hit, his government has promised $40 billion in new spending to support affected industries and workers.
President Trump has championed the tariffs in order to battle the large amounts of fentanyl that enter the U.S. through Mexico and China.
The tariffs also seek to bring manufacturing jobs back into the United States and rebalance unfair trade deficits.
"Canadian premier says he will cut off electricity exports to US ‘with a smile on my face’" pic.twitter.com/Cn6vxi7aXM
— JC777 (@jc_x_777) March 4, 2025
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