As tensions rise ahead of U.S. President Donald Trump’s expected trade tariffs against Canada, Ontario Premier Doug Ford has issued a blunt warning to American states reliant on Ontario’s electricity exports — if tariffs hit Canada, the power supply to the U.S. could be shut off.
“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 at a mining convention in Toronto on Monday.
This development was reported by the Toronto Sun.
The United States is heavily dependent on Canadian electricity, with New York, Michigan, and Minnesota among Ontario’s biggest customers. In 2023 alone, Canada exported 33 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity to the U.S., generating a record-breaking $5.8 billion in revenue.
Ford stressed that Ontario holds significant leverage, as all but one U.S. power grid—Texas being the exception—are interconnected with Canadian provinces.
“They rely on our energy, they need to feel the pain,” Ford said. “They want to come at us hard, we’re going to come back twice as hard.”
Matching Tariffs "Dollar for Dollar"
Ford confirmed that Ontario is prepared to retaliate in full force, pledging to match any U.S. tariffs “dollar for dollar”.
While provinces have control over some economic policies, he emphasized that the federal government is leading the response and that Ontario will stand “shoulder to shoulder” with Canada’s national leadership.
“That’s exactly what we’re going to do,” Ford assured reporters.
With the U.S. gearing up to impose new trade restrictions on Canadian industries, Ford is making it clear—Ontario isn’t afraid to play hardball.
“I didn’t start this tariff war,” Ford said, “but we’re going to win this tariff war.”
