Ontario Premier Doug Ford has declared that Canada’s most populous province will not stand idle if U.S. President-elect Donald Trump implements his proposed 25% tariffs on Canadian goods. Ford revealed that Ontario is preparing a series of retaliatory measures, including the potential suspension of energy exports to the U.S.

Speaking after a call with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and other provincial leaders, Ford emphasized the need for a united front. “We will use every tool in our toolbox to fight back,” Ford asserted. “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.”

Ontario is a significant supplier of electricity to U.S. states such as Michigan, Minnesota, and New York, powering an estimated 1.5 million American homes last year. A spokeswoman for Ford confirmed that cutting off energy exports is on the table as part of the province’s strategy to counter the tariffs.

Although it is unclear if other Canadian provinces will adopt similar measures, the possibility was discussed during the call with Trudeau, according to Ford’s office. Notably, about 60% of U.S. crude oil imports and 85% of electricity imports originate from Canada.

The proposed tariffs are part of Trump’s broader strategy to address illegal border crossings and drug trafficking from Mexico and Canada. While Canada has pledged to enhance border control efforts, Ford expressed skepticism about avoiding the tariffs, stating that the financial burden would ultimately fall on American companies and consumers.

Experts warn that the tariffs could lead to a 30-cent-per-gallon spike in Midwest gas prices, despite Trump’s assurances that increased domestic drilling would stabilize fuel costs. However, analysts point out that the U.S. does not typically utilize the same type of oil it produces, complicating efforts to offset the price hikes.

Trump’s transition team has yet to comment on the matter.

Credit: Daily Beast