Ontario Premier Doug Ford has threatened to cut off America's electricity supply and restrict critical mineral exports to the U.S. in response to President Donald Trump's announcement of increased tariffs on Canada's auto industry.
"We power 1.5 million homes and businesses," Ford told the Associated Press. "Everything's on the table. I'll do whatever it takes." He added that if Trump continues to pressure Canadian manufacturers, "he better have a pack of batteries."
Canada supplied approximately 5 percent of New England's electricity in 2024, a figure that has reached as high as 15 percent during peak winter months. Ford also stated that "You won't get a grain of sand out of Ontario" if supplies are restricted.
Trump announced on Monday that tariffs on Canadian cars, trucks, automotive parts, and steel would increase to 50 percent effective January 1. He asserted on Truth Social that "Canada has been ripping off the United States of America for years" and declared, "Canada will be treated like a state no longer."
The U.S. president also accused Canada of imposing "ridiculously high tariffs" on American farmers, making operations "impossible for these great American Patriots." Ford characterized Trump's actions as an "economic war against his closest friend and ally," suggesting that former President Ronald Reagan would be "disgusted" by the current actions.
This escalation follows the breakdown of trade negotiations between Washington and Ottawa last week. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney withdrew from talks after the U.S. demanded concessions that Canada deemed would compromise its ability to negotiate independent trade agreements. Carney stated that Canada would "match those tariffs dollar for dollar to protect our workers and businesses."
Canada's retaliatory tariffs, scheduled to begin September 8, will target U.S. steel, dairy, agricultural equipment, and other goods. The U.S. imposed its 50 percent tariffs on approximately $20 billion worth of Canadian products, including agricultural supplies, dairy, alcohol, clothing, and electronics.
The close integration of supply chains between Ontario plants and their U.S. counterparts means that parts can cross the border multiple times during vehicle production. Trump's latest move places Ontario's automotive sector and its associated jobs directly under threat, with Ford alleging that the president aims to dismantle Canadian industry to shift production to the U.S.
Despite the deepening dispute, Ford expressed a desire to continue negotiations, stating, "I never believe in walking away from the table. Continue negotiating and see where we go."