Canadian Premier Doug Ford, Donald Trump Responds [WATCH]

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has warned of retaliatory measures, including cutting off energy exports to the United States, if President-elect Donald Trump moves forward with a proposed 25% tariff on all Canadian and Mexican goods.

The tariff proposal, aimed at curbing illegal immigration and the flow of illicit drugs, has sparked significant tension between the neighboring countries.

Speaking to reporters, Ford outlined potential actions Ontario could take if the tariff is implemented. “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,” said Ford, whose province is a major hub for crude oil production.

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Ford also revealed that other Canadian officials are exploring additional ways to respond, potentially targeting U.S. exports. “Some premiers proactively identified products that their provinces produce and export to the United States and which the U.S. relies on, and which should be considered as part of the Canadian response. This included some critical minerals and metals,” Ford stated.

Canada is a key energy supplier to the United States. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, Canada was the largest source of U.S. energy imports in 2019.

Any disruption to this relationship could have wide-reaching economic implications.

However, Ford acknowledged the potential fallout of such measures on both sides of the border. “Canadians get hurt, but I can assure you one thing: the Americans are going to feel the pain as well, and isn’t that unfortunate?” he remarked.

In addition to cutting off energy exports, Ford is reportedly considering banning the sale of American-made alcohol in Ontario as part of the retaliatory measures.

Despite Ford’s threats, some experts question the feasibility of unilaterally cutting off energy supplies to the U.S. University of Toronto political science professor Nelson Wiseman noted that such actions would likely require federal approval. “I do not believe Ontario could unilaterally stop electricity exports to the U.S. without Ottawa’s approval. Similarly, Michigan cannot unilaterally stop the flow of western Canadian natural gas to eastern Canada without Washington’s approval,” Wiseman said.

President-elect Trump dismissed the threats, reinforcing his stance on the proposed tariff. “That’s okay if he does that,” Trump said during an interview with CNBC at the New York Stock Exchange. “The United States is subsidizing Canada, and we shouldn’t have to do that. And we have a great relationship. I have so many friends in Canada, but we shouldn’t have to subsidize a country.”

Donald Trump responds to Doug Ford’s threat to cut off energy exports:

“That’s okay. If he does that, that’s fine, but the United States is subsidizing Canada. It’s truly a subsidy and we shouldn’t have to do that.”

Who do you think has the upper hand here? pic.twitter.com/QZKrDawwHB

— Bret (@Bret_Sears) December 12, 2024

Following Trump’s tariff proposal, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau traveled to West Palm Beach, Florida, to meet with Trump at his Mar-a-Lago resort.

The meeting was described as “very productive” by Trump, though no specifics on agreements or resolutions were provided.

As tensions escalate between the U.S. and Canada over trade, the proposed tariff and potential retaliatory measures highlight the fragility of economic ties between the two nations.

The outcome of this dispute could significantly impact trade and energy relations in the months ahead.

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