The trade dispute between the U.S. and Canada has taken a shocking turn, with Ontario’s premier threatening to cut electricity to 1.5 million American customers in retaliation for new tariffs imposed by Donald Trump. The aggressive stance comes after Trump reinstated heavy trade penalties, accusing Canada of failing to stop the flow of fentanyl into the U.S.
Trump’s policy slaps a 25% tariff on Canadian exports and a 10% tax on energy shipments, calling it a necessary move to hold foreign nations accountable. But Ontario Premier Doug Ford, recently re-elected with a strong majority, isn’t taking the threat lightly. “If they want to destroy our economy, I’ll cut their power—happily,” Ford said during a fiery press conference.
Ontario supplies electricity to homes and industries across New York, Michigan, and Minnesota, making Ford’s threat a serious economic lever. At a Toronto mining event, he reinforced his message, warning that Canada would hit back twice as hard if pushed. “They need our energy,” he said. “Let’s see how they like it when we turn off the tap.”
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also criticized the tariffs, calling them baseless. With both sides digging in, the conflict could escalate, testing the resilience of U.S.-Canada trade relations.
