Premier Doug Ford has threatened to cut off energy to U.S. states in retaliation of the 25 per cent tariffs President Elect Donald Trump says he will be imposing if Canada doesn’t shore up its borders.
Ford’s comments came following a virtual meeting between the premiers and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to discuss a plan to tackle Trump’s threat to impose the tariffs on Canadian imports.
Ontario’s premier said the country needs to be ready for the fight that begins when Trump is inaugurated on Jan. 20. when asked about any potential retaliatory tariffs on the U.S.
“We will go to the full extent, depending on how far this goes. 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.
“We’ll use every tool of our toolbox … This is coming. It’s not if, it is coming. And it’s coming January 20 and 21 and we need to be prepared. We need to stand as a country,” said Ford.
He adds that these tariffs won’t just hurt Canadians. “At the at the end of the day, the consumer gets hurt, Canadians get hurt. But I can assure you one thing, the Americans are going to feel pain as well.”
Ford added Ontario is the number one exporter to 17 states and second to another 11 states.
Canada has vowed to beef up border security in the face of Trump’s threats, despite a lack of evidence for his claims about illicit fentanyl pouring into the U.S. from Canada.
While Ford said the border is a federal issue, he said they will be supportive of them at the border. “We will always be there to support, with our OPP at the ready … I know the other regions across the country as well.”
The first ministers’ meeting comes just a day after Trump launched more jibes at Trudeau on social media by calling him governor of “the great state of Canada” — a nod to his ribbing that he might just have Canada join the U.S. as its 51st state.
Wednesday’s high-level meeting also comes days before Ford will hosts the fall premiers’ meeting in Mississauga, which lasts Sunday through Monday.