Ah, Canada—our friendly northern neighbor, always quick with a smile and a veiled threat when things get tough.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford is apparently ready to throw down if President-elect Trump follows through on his promise to impose a 25% tariff on Canadian goods. And what’s Ford’s big plan? To cut off electricity exports to the U.S., leaving parts of Michigan, Minnesota, and New York in the dark. That’ll show us! Nothing says “friendly relations” like weaponizing energy exports.
Let’s break this down. Ford says Ontario powers 1.5 million U.S. homes, and he’s more than willing to flip the switch off if Trump slaps tariffs on Canadian goods. But here’s the thing: energy exports go both ways. Cutting off electricity may sting a few states, but it’s also going to hurt Ontario’s bottom line. Those energy deals exist for a reason—because both sides benefit. Ford threatening to take his ball and go home doesn’t exactly scream sound economic strategy. It sounds more like a tantrum.
And Ford isn’t acting alone. He’s got Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on speed dial, and they’re rallying the provinces to “fight back.” But fight back against what, exactly? Trump’s tariffs are about addressing two major issues: illegal drugs and border security. If Canada spent half as much energy helping us secure the border as they’re spending on these retaliatory plans, maybe this wouldn’t even be a conversation. Instead, they’re upset that Trump is putting America first—how dare he?
“We will use every tool in our tool box to fight back,” Ford said after a call with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. “We can’t sit back and roll over. We just won’t as a country. And isn’t this a shame, our closest friends and allies.”
#WATCH: Doug Ford doubles down on his threat to cut the electricity to 1.5 Million American homes if Donald Trump imposes tariffs on Canada.
We’re being lead into economic war with the United States by a bunch of morons and Canadians will be left paying the price! pic.twitter.com/MHhdCa54bp
— govt.exe is corrupt (@govt_corrupt) December 12, 2024
Now, let’s talk about those tariffs for a second. Yes, tariffs are paid by American companies, and those costs can be passed on to consumers. But Trump has also pledged to increase domestic drilling and production to offset potential price hikes, particularly at the gas pump. Sure, the U.S. doesn’t process the same type of oil it produces, but it’s not like we’re incapable of diversifying supply chains. The real question is whether Canada wants to gamble its economic stability on the assumption that America will blink first.
Ford’s dramatic warnings of 30-cent gas price hikes and economic doom feel like typical political theater. The reality is that Canada needs U.S. markets just as much as we benefit from Canadian goods. Threatening to “use every tool in the toolbox” sounds tough, but it’s hard to take seriously when their biggest weapon is…electricity.
Canada’s leaders should spend less time drafting retaliatory measures and more time working toward real trade and border security solutions. Playing hardball with the U.S. rarely ends well—just ask any country that’s tried it.
