Ontario Premier Doug Ford expressed strong opposition to the U.S. government’s planned tariffs on Canadian goods, warning of a fierce response if the U.S. attempts to escalate its trade policies. Speaking to reporters at a mining convention in Toronto, Ford announced that Ontario would retaliate against the new tariffs, particularly if the U.S. tries to “annihilate” the province. “If they want to come at us hard, we’re going to come back twice as hard,” Ford declared.
Ford’s comments came in the wake of U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to impose a 25 percent tariff on Canadian and Mexican goods, a policy that was set to take effect on Tuesday. Ford made it clear that Ontario would not back down in the face of these measures. “If the U.S. tries to annihilate Ontario, I’ll fight back, including cutting off their energy with a smile on my face,” he said, referring to Ontario’s significant role in supplying power to neighboring U.S. states.
Ford also emphasized the importance of Ontario’s energy exports to the U.S., specifically to states such as Michigan, Minnesota, and New York. He pointed out that these states rely heavily on Ontario for electricity, which could serve as a leverage point in any trade standoff. “America relies on Ontario, and they need to feel the pain,” Ford said, warning that Ontario would use this resource to hit back at the U.S. if necessary.
The Premier confirmed that both the federal and provincial governments in Canada are united in their opposition to the U.S. tariffs. Ford underscored that while the provinces play a key role in the matter, the federal government is taking the lead in confronting the issue. “The provinces have a big say in it, but it’s the federal government that’s leading the charge. We’re going to stand shoulder-to-shoulder,” Ford stated.
Ford’s remarks come as President Trump has reiterated that the tariffs will indeed go into effect on April 2. Trump’s administration has stated that the tariffs will be imposed on Canada, Mexico, and other countries that maintain similar trade practices with the U.S., essentially charging them the same levies that have been placed on American goods. “The tariffs are all set. They go into effect tomorrow,” Trump affirmed, ruling out the possibility of extending the deadline to allow for further negotiations.
The tariffs are part of a broader policy by the Trump administration to enforce what it sees as fairer trade relations with other countries. In his statement, Trump made it clear that the U.S. would not back down on its stance, leaving Canada and other nations with little room for negotiation. The move has sparked tensions with Canada’s leadership, with Ford and other officials vowing to stand firm in their response.
