Canadian province promises retaliation against potential Washington tariff increases
Premier Doug Ford has issued a warning that Ontario might reduce electricity exports to the US if President-elect Donald Trump increases import duties. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
Premier Doug Ford has issued a warning that Ontario may cease electricity exports to the United States if President-elect Donald Trump acts on his threats to impose significant tariffs on Canadian goods.
Trump has pledged to implement a 25% tariff on all imports from Canada and Mexico unless those countries take measures to reduce the flow of illegal migrants and drugs into the United States.
Following a virtual meeting with fellow provincial and territorial leaders and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Wednesday, Ford stated, “We will go to the full extent depending on how far this goes. We will go to the extent of cutting off their energy, going down to Michigan, going down to New York State and over to Wisconsin.” He emphasized that while he does not wish for such a scenario, his primary responsibility is to safeguard Ontario and its residents, as well as Canadians at large.
Ford mentioned that Canadian Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland would be responsible for preparing a list of potential Canadian products that could be subject to retaliatory tariffs. “Let’s see what happens as we move forward. But we’ll use every tool in our toolbox, including cutting them off energy that we’re sending down there,” he added.
In response to Trump’s assertions regarding fentanyl trafficking from Canada, Ottawa has committed to strengthening border security with an increased presence.
A spokeswoman for Ford, Grace Lee, was quoted by the Associated Press highlighting that Ontario supplied electricity to 1.5 million American households last year, making it a significant exporter to regions such as Michigan, Minnesota, and New York. The outlet also reported that around 85% of electricity imports into the U.S. originate from Canada.
Last month, Trump shared on his Truth Social platform that “thousands of people are pouring through Mexico and Canada, bringing crime and drugs at levels never seen before.” He contended that the impending threat of heavy import duties is necessary to compel authorities in Mexico City and Ottawa to confront these challenges.
On NBC News’ ‘Meet the Press’ this past Sunday, Trump reaffirmed his stance: “We’re subsidizing Canada to the tune over $100 billion a year. We’re subsidizing Mexico for almost $300 billion. We shouldn’t be – why are we subsidizing these countries? If we’re going to subsidize them, let them become a state.”
Camille Lefevre for TROIB News
Trump has pledged to implement a 25% tariff on all imports from Canada and Mexico unless those countries take measures to reduce the flow of illegal migrants and drugs into the United States.
Following a virtual meeting with fellow provincial and territorial leaders and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Wednesday, Ford stated, “We will go to the full extent depending on how far this goes. We will go to the extent of cutting off their energy, going down to Michigan, going down to New York State and over to Wisconsin.” He emphasized that while he does not wish for such a scenario, his primary responsibility is to safeguard Ontario and its residents, as well as Canadians at large.
Ford mentioned that Canadian Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland would be responsible for preparing a list of potential Canadian products that could be subject to retaliatory tariffs. “Let’s see what happens as we move forward. But we’ll use every tool in our toolbox, including cutting them off energy that we’re sending down there,” he added.
In response to Trump’s assertions regarding fentanyl trafficking from Canada, Ottawa has committed to strengthening border security with an increased presence.
A spokeswoman for Ford, Grace Lee, was quoted by the Associated Press highlighting that Ontario supplied electricity to 1.5 million American households last year, making it a significant exporter to regions such as Michigan, Minnesota, and New York. The outlet also reported that around 85% of electricity imports into the U.S. originate from Canada.
Last month, Trump shared on his Truth Social platform that “thousands of people are pouring through Mexico and Canada, bringing crime and drugs at levels never seen before.” He contended that the impending threat of heavy import duties is necessary to compel authorities in Mexico City and Ottawa to confront these challenges.
On NBC News’ ‘Meet the Press’ this past Sunday, Trump reaffirmed his stance: “We’re subsidizing Canada to the tune over $100 billion a year. We’re subsidizing Mexico for almost $300 billion. We shouldn’t be – why are we subsidizing these countries? If we’re going to subsidize them, let them become a state.”
Camille Lefevre for TROIB News
