Joly Says Canada Considering Cutting Off Energy Exports in Response to US Tariff Threat

January 13, 2025 TruthUSA

Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly mentioned that Ottawa is considering various options to respond to tariffs from incoming U.S. President Donald Trump, including the possibility of halting energy exports to the U.S.

During an interview with CTV News on Jan. 12, Joly stated, “What I can tell you is everything is on the table,” when asked about the potential of cutting off energy supplies to the U.S.

Joly indicated that Canada’s reaction to Trump’s threat of imposing 25 percent tariffs on all Canadian exports would be deliberated with cabinet officials. She also mentioned her intent to communicate the decision to “Republican senators and key Republican decision-makers in Washington next week.”

Emphasizing the seriousness of the situation, Joly urged political leaders in the country to unite in response to the threat. She highlighted that although Canada had faced tariffs during the first Trump administration in 2018, the new threat of 25 percent tariffs on all Canadian exports required a comprehensive response.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford previously stated in December 2024 that Ontario could potentially cease energy supplies to Michigan, New York, and Wisconsin as a last resort measure. In 2023, Ontario provided electricity to 1.5 million homes in the U.S., exporting 13.9 million megawatt-hours of electricity.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, Quebec Premier François Legault, and Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Andrew Furey subsequently expressed their opposition to discontinuing energy exports to the U.S.

Ottawa is considering implementing retaliatory tariffs on U.S. products, such as ceramics, steel products, glassware, and plastics, among others.

Although Trump initially threatened 25 percent tariffs on Canada in November, he has recently intensified his rhetoric on the U.S.-Canada relationship. Trudeau dismissed Trump’s comments about merging Canada with the U.S., stating that there was no chance of that happening.

On Jan. 6, Trudeau announced his resignation as prime minister, pending the selection of a new Liberal Party leader. Joly announced on Jan. 10 that she would not run for the Liberal party leadership and would focus on her cabinet responsibilities in light of the tariff threat.

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