Ontario Premier Doug Ford Threatens Electricity and Mineral Exports to U.S. Amid Trade Dispute

Ontario Premier Doug Ford stated that President Donald Trump's trade policies could lead to a significant trade dispute between Canada and the U.S. Ford criticized Trump for underestimating Canada's resolve to withstand economic pressure, asserting that Canada is prepared for an economic conflict. He suggested that Trump’s actions could prompt Canada to cut off electricity and critical mineral exports to the U.S. Ford's comments followed Prime Minister Mark Carney's withdrawal from trade negotiations with the Trump administration, citing unreasonable demands from Washington. In response to U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods, Canada announced matching counter-tariffs. Ford emphasized the importance of critical minerals for U.S. national defense and manufacturing, warning that Canada could leverage its resources in the ongoing trade tensions. He also expressed concern that Trump aims to undermine Canadian industrial capacity, particularly in the automotive sector, which is crucial for Ontario's economy. Ford indicated that he had opposed a preliminary trade agreement that included concessions on liquor sales in Ontario.