Doug Ford Plans to Use Ontario Electricity Exports to Push Back Against US Tariffs
Progressive Conservative Leader Doug Ford is considering increasing prices for the electricity Ontario exports to the United States if President Donald Trump imposes tariffs on Canadian goods and services.
During a campaign stop in Ottawa on Tuesday, Ford stated, “We’re reviewing the cost of electricity we’re sending down there. And if he puts tariffs on anything in Canada or Ontario, they’re getting a tariff on their electricity. And then we’ll go to the next stage and we’ll wait to see what happens from there.”
Ford did not provide further details about this proposal or how it aligns with his plan to halt energy exports to the U.S. if Trump proceeds with the impending tariffs.
On Monday, Trump confirmed that the tariffs, initially postponed to March 4 after Canada agreed to enhance security measures at the border, are moving forward as scheduled. The executive order includes 25 percent tariffs on all Canadian imports, with a lesser 10 percent levy on Canadian energy.
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Ford emphasized on Tuesday that he prefers to avoid a tariff war, but will take action if necessary to defend Canadians against any attacks on their livelihoods and businesses. He stated, “I’m in the ring and I’ll do whatever it takes to make sure that we hit back and they feel the pain like we feel the pain.”
Ford has made economic stability amidst potential tariffs a focal point of his campaign, citing the need for a stronger mandate to manage the next four years of a Trump presidency. However, opposition party leaders argue that the snap election is unwarranted as the Progressive Conservatives already hold a majority and would likely gain support for stimulus measures.
Just three days before election day, Ford released his party’s official platform, which includes $40 billion in promises without a detailed costing breakdown.
