Cutting power to 1.5 million Americans, restricting imports of U.S.-made alcohol, and limiting Canadian exports of critical minerals are among a list of measures the Ford government is considering in the event the looming trade war with the incoming Trump administration escalates in the new year.
On Wednesday, Prime Minister Doug Ford, along with other Canadian prime ministers, met with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to discuss the 25 per cent tariffs that US President-elect Donald Trump has threatened to impose on all Canadian imports.
After the meeting, Ford, who now believes there is a “100 percent” chance the tariffs will be imposed in early January, offered a threat of his own: to “cut off” power in Ontario for millions of American residents living in the border states. exports.
“This will turn off the lights for 1.5 million Americans,” Ford told Global News. “If they attack us, we have to defend Canadians, we have to defend Ontarians.”
Ontario sends a message: Ford
Sources identified four possible actions:
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- Restrict electricity exports to Michigan, New York State and Minnesota
- Restricting Canadian exports of critical minerals needed for electric vehicle batteries and the supply chain
- Restricting US-based companies from the Ontario government’s procurement process
- Bans the LCBO, the world’s largest alcohol buyer, from purchasing American-made alcohol
Sources in the Ford government describe these measures as “escalation maneuvers” that are still being implemented.
One source added that the government is “very serious” about this approach, even if the prime minister has made personal reservations about cutting off power supplies to millions of American homes and businesses.
Some of the measures may also come at the expense of Ontario’s economy.
For example, the Energy Restriction Policy, established by the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, could cost the provincial treasury between $400 and $700 million in lost revenue.
However, sources indicated the economic impact on Ontario’s southern neighbors is estimated in the billions. About 85 percent of the electricity imported into the United States comes from Canadian generation, the Associated Press reported.
Another source indicated that the province could unite with other provinces to maximize the pain.
The source said: “Cutting off electricity is one thing.” “It’s another thing entirely to cut off power to Ontario and Quebec.”
At a press conference on Thursday, Ford told reporters that the boycott was “sending a message” to the United States
“You come and attack Ontario… We will use every tool in our toolbox to defend Ontarians and Canadians across the border,” he said.
“Let’s hope we never get to that point.”
Ford went on to point the finger at Mexico — a claim he has made in the past — for allowing Chinese companies to bypass CUSMA rules and export vehicles and parts to the United States and Canada through Mexican manufacturing plants.
He added: “This is the problem, and as I said yesterday, it is very clear: Mexico has a choice to side with Beijing or to side with Washington.”
-With files from Aaron D’Andrea
