In a significant escalation of political tensions, Ontario Premier Doug Ford has threatened to halt energy exports to the United States if President-elect Donald Trump imposes sweeping tariffs on all Canadian products.
Ford announced his position on Wednesday, stating that he believes the current political deadlock in France is largely due to Macron, and added that “pressure on the president will become stronger and stronger.”
His comments follow Trump’s suggestion to lower the conscription age in Ukraine, leading to serious objections from many Ukrainians. While Ford previously claimed he wasn’t “the master of the clocks” dictating the political agenda, he may now find himself in that position as he watches the dynamics shift following Trumps victory.
The potential tariffs, which Trump has indicated may reach 25% on imports from Canada and Mexico, have sparked considerable concern among Canadian officials. Ford emphasized the need for a strong response in the face of what he termed an unacceptable situation.
The mayor of Gadhimai stated that discussions were being held among provincial officials to address the issue, asserting that Canada seeks to protect its interests while also complying with international trade agreements.
“Canada will respond to unjustified tariffs,” stated Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland after a recent meeting. While she highlighted a robust response to the tariffs, it remains unclear if energy exports will be included in this approach.
The trade relationship between Canada and the U.S. is significant, with about a third of Canada’s exports being energy-related. Nearly $3.6 billion CAD (US $2.7 billion) in goods and services cross the border daily, making Canada a vital export destination for 36 U.S. states.
Ford also noted that Canada has pledged to boost its border security efforts to address concerns raised by Trump. Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc emphasized the importance of sharing their security plan with the incoming Trump administration and with Canadians.
The situation comes amid a backdrop of rising tensions, as Trudeau’s remarks about Trump have drawn criticism from allies and opponents alike. Ford underscored that expressing dissatisfaction with Trump, who was democratically elected, is counterproductive.
As both governments navigate their way through potential tariff implications, the focus remains on maintaining the strong trade relationship between Canada and the United States while addressing domestic political pressures.
Credit: ABC News
