Canada ‘Threatening’ the U.S. Over Trump’s Tariffs?

Canada is not taking the latest tariff threats from U.S. President-elect Donald Trump lightly. In a dramatic turn, Ontario Premier Doug Ford has hinted that the province could pull the plug on energy exports to the United States if Trump’s proposed 25% tariff on Canadian goods becomes reality.

“Ontario will not stand idly by while our closest friend and ally turns on us,” Ford declared Wednesday after a high-level meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Canada’s provincial leaders. “We’ll use every tool in our toolbox to defend our economy and our people. Cutting off energy exports is on the table.”

The stakes are high. Ontario, Canada’s most populous province and a key player in North American energy markets, supplied electricity to power approximately 1.5 million homes in Michigan, Minnesota, and New York last year.

Ford’s spokeswoman confirmed the province is exploring retaliation strategies, which include halting energy exports. “If tariffs move forward, so will our countermeasures,” she said.

Trump’s proposed 25% tariff on Canadian and Mexican goods is part of a broader effort to pressure both nations into tightening border controls and combating illegal drug trafficking into the U.S. However, critics warn the economic fallout would hurt American consumers.

“Tariffs aren’t paid by foreign governments—they’re paid by American businesses and families,” noted trade expert Linda Hargrove. “The added costs trickle down, especially for energy and commodities.”

Already, analysts predict the tariffs could send Midwest gas prices soaring by 30 cents per gallon. While Trump has touted plans to expand domestic oil drilling, U.S. refineries rely heavily on Canadian crude, which differs significantly from domestic production.

Ford’s defiant stance comes amid growing frustration in Ottawa. Canada is the largest foreign supplier of crude oil and electricity to the United States, providing 60% of U.S. crude oil imports and 85% of electricity imports.

“Is this how friends treat each other?” Ford asked during his remarks. “We’ve stood together through thick and thin. To be targeted like this is deeply disappointing.”

Although no official decisions were made during the provincial call, insiders say the possibility of a coordinated response—including actions from other provinces—was actively discussed.

Trump’s transition team has not commented on Canada’s threats. Meanwhile, Canadian officials are preparing for what could be a major trade showdown between the two neighboring economies.

As Premier Ford put it, “We hope it doesn’t come to this, but we are ready. This is about defending our people, our industries, and our sovereignty.”

For now, the lights in U.S. homes remain on—but the situation underscores the fragility of even the strongest alliances in the face of economic warfare.