Toronto, March 5, 2025: Ontario Premier Doug Ford has warned that he is prepared to cut off electricity exports to the United States if President Donald Trump continues to impose tariffs on Canadian goods.
The announcement comes after Trump implemented a 25% tariff on Canadian imports and a 10% tariff on Canadian energy, prompting Ford to unveil retaliatory measures of his own.
Ford said he would impose a 25% surcharge on electricity exports to the U.S. states of Michigan, New York, and Minnesota, which collectively rely on Canada for power. If Trump escalates the tariffs, Ford warned, he may completely halt electricity exports to these states, potentially leaving 1.5 million Americans without power.
Ford’s move aligns with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s response, which includes an immediate 25% tariff on $30 billion CAD ($20.7 billion USD) worth of U.S. goods.
In addition to the electricity tariffs, Ford has banned U.S. companies from bidding on Ontario infrastructure projects, cancelled a $100 million contract with Elon Musk’s Starlink internet provider and urged U.S. lawmakers in affected states to pressure Trump to reverse the tariffs.
Ford also called on other Canadian premiers to take similar action against U.S. trade restrictions.
While Ford said the electricity tariff could be implemented immediately, the timeline for a potential power cutoff remains uncertain.
“If they [the tariffs] go further into April, then we’ll cut off their electricity,” Ford stated, adding that he is looking for ways to bypass lengthy legislative processes and act swiftly.
The escalating trade tensions between Canada and the U.S. mark a significant shift in cross-0border relations, as both nations weigh their next steps in an ongoing economic standoff.
