The escalating trade tensions between Canada and the United States have taken a sharp turn, with Ontario Premier Doug Ford issuing a stark warning to Washington. In an interview, Ford threatened to cut off energy supplies to several key U.S. states, including Michigan, New York, and Wisconsin, if proposed tariffs on Canadian goods are implemented by the Biden administration.
“We will go the full extent,” Ford declared, emphasizing his commitment to protecting Ontario’s economy and its citizens.
The dispute stems from a looming plan by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump to impose tariffs on Canadian exports, which are expected to include aluminum, lumber, and other key commodities. While details of the tariff measures have yet to be finalized, Ford’s comments indicate Canada’s growing frustration with protectionist policies.
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The threat to cut off energy supplies is particularly significant given the interconnectedness of the U.S. and Canadian energy markets. Ontario alone provides substantial amounts of electricity to the northeastern United States, and Canada is the largest exporter of crude oil to the U.S., with monthly imports recently reaching a record of nearly 4 million barrels per day following pipeline expansions, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Ford explicitly linked his remarks to the broader strategic discussions held during a meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and provincial premiers earlier this week.
“We’re looking at every option,” he said, adding, “At the top of that list for Ontario is possibly cutting off energy supply to key U.S. states.”
READ: Trump’s Tariff Threats: A Prelude to USMCA Review Negotiations?
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If enacted, Ford’s threat could have wide-ranging implications. Ontario is a major supplier of electricity to Michigan, New York, and other northeastern states. Additionally, Canada’s vast oil pipelines, including the Enbridge Line 5 and Keystone systems, are lifelines for U.S. refineries, providing critical energy inputs for states across the Midwest and beyond.
Ford, however, defended the tough rhetoric, framing it as a necessary response to perceived threats to Canada’s economic security.
“What do we achieve? We turn off lights to about a million and a half Americans, which I would never want to do, but if they come at us, we have to stand up for Canadians,” he said.
While acknowledging the potential consequences of such drastic measures, Ford stressed the importance of unity among Canada’s provinces and the federal government. “We are putting together a comprehensive list of countermeasures,” he said, referring to ongoing work led by Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Trump’s team has yet to officially respond to Ford’s remarks.
Ford indicated that the inauguration day could mark a turning point, as the U.S. plans to finalize its tariff measures around that time. In preparation, the Ontario government is working with other provinces to explore options for retaliation, including energy cutoffs.
The growing tensions highlight the fragility of the U.S.-Canada trade relationship, despite decades of cooperation under agreements like NAFTA and its successor, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement.
This comes on the heels of another of Trump’s joke about how Canada could resolve disputes by joining the United States as its 51st state during a recent Mar-a-Lago dinner with Trudeau to discuss the proposed tariffs. The suggestion drew nervous laughter from Trudeau and other attendees, sources familiar with the dinner meeting said.
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