Canada to Cut Off Electricity to US States: 'Need to Feel the Pain'
Ontario Leader Doug Ford Threatens to Halt Energy Exports to U.S. Amid Trump’s Tariff Plans
Ontario Premier Doug Ford stated on Monday that he would happily stop sending energy supplies to the United States if President Donald Trump followed through with his decision to impose a 25 percent tariff on Canadian products.
Trump revealed on Monday that new tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China would take effect on Tuesday.
Newsweek reached out to Ford’s office via email for a response, though the inquiry was sent outside normal working hours.
Why It’s Important
Trump’s tariffs have prompted both Canada and China to announce countermeasures, increasing concerns that a worldwide trade conflict could develop.
The United States introduced a 25 percent tariff on Canadian goods, although energy-related products were only subjected to a 10 percent tariff. Similar penalties were imposed on imports from Mexico, with China facing an additional 10 percent duty.
Data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration indicates that Canada is by far the biggest provider of energy to the U.S., supplying 59 percent of the crude oil imported into America in 2019. Because of this, Canada has significant leverage over the U.S. and could retaliate in a way that might push up prices and worsen inflation.
Doug Ford and Donald Trump’s Standoff
While speaking at a mining conference on Monday, Ford, a member of the Progressive Conservative Party, delivered a direct message to Trump’s administration.
“I’m not the one to begin a tariff battle, but if one happens, we’re going to come out on top,” he stated. “If they think they can wipe out Ontario, I will take any necessary action—including cutting off their energy supply—with a smile, and I encourage other provinces to do the same.”
Ford emphasized the reliance of the U.S. on Canadian energy, stating, “They depend on our resources. They need to experience the consequences.”
In an interview with NBC on Monday, Ford pointed out that Canadian energy keeps “the power running for 1.5 million homes and manufacturing plants in New York, Michigan, and Minnesota.”
Trump justified the tariffs by claiming they were necessary due to Canada and Mexico’s failure to curb the flow of fentanyl and illegal migrants across their borders. He also argued that both nations, which maintain trade surpluses with the U.S., have been exploiting American trade agreements.
Although the tariffs were initially scheduled to take effect in February, Trump postponed them by a month after discussions with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum.
The Economic Fallout
According to U.S. government statistics, just 0.2 percent of fentanyl seized at the U.S. border in the 2024 fiscal year came from Canada, whereas 96.6 percent originated from the Mexican border. While unauthorized migration across the U.S.-Canada border did rise last year, the numbers remained significantly lower than the crossings at the southern border.
Trump has previously hinted at the idea of Canada becoming America’s 51st state, often referring to Trudeau as a “governor.” In response, some Canadians have booed the U.S. national anthem at sports events and called for a boycott of American-made products.
In 2024, Canada supplied the U.S. with more than 4 million barrels of oil daily—exceeding the combined exports from all members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
What People Are Saying
During his interview with NBC on Monday, Ford doubled down on his stance, saying, “I’m willing to target everything, though I don’t want to. We provide power for 1.5 million homes and manufacturing plants in New York, Michigan, and Minnesota. If Trump intends to ruin our economy and hurt our families, I will shut down electricity exports to the U.S., and I promise you, we will follow through.”
On February 27, Trump wrote on Truth Social: “We cannot allow this disaster to keep affecting America, so until it stops or is significantly reduced, the scheduled TARIFFS will take effect on MARCH FOURTH as planned.”
Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly made Canada’s position clear on Monday: “If Trump enforces these tariffs, we are prepared. We have $155 billion worth of counter-tariffs ready, with an initial set of tariffs amounting to $30 billion.”
What’s Next?
If Canada chooses to limit energy exports to the U.S., it is unlikely to cause blackouts. However, it would likely lead to higher costs for businesses and households, increasing inflation further.
It remains uncertain whether companies on both sides of the border will pressure their governments into negotiating a resolution to bring an end to the tariffs.
