Doug Ford

Canada Rejects US Demands: “Thank You” for Trade War?

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick asserted that President Trump’s tariff threats against Canada, specifically targeting Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s energy surcharges, were a strategic maneuver to achieve a quick resolution. Lutnick compared Canada’s reaction to that of Ukraine, suggesting a lack of gratitude for past U.S. support. He characterized Ford’s actions as a mistake, claiming the premier’s energy tax prompted Trump’s response and subsequent withdrawal of the threat. The situation highlights ongoing trade tensions and Trump’s determination to protect American interests, particularly within the automotive and energy sectors.

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Ford Suspends US Electricity Surcharge Amidst Tense Trade Talks

Following a productive conversation between Ontario Premier Doug Ford and U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, the planned 25% electricity export surcharge to the U.S. has been temporarily suspended. This decision came after President Trump announced a doubling of tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum, escalating existing trade tensions. A meeting is scheduled in Washington D.C. to renegotiate the USMCA. Despite the temporary reprieve on electricity, the White House confirmed that the original 25% tariff on steel and aluminum will proceed, with further tariffs on other Canadian goods to follow.

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Ontario Premier Threatens US Power Cut Amid Trade Dispute

Despite a partial delay of US tariffs on Canadian goods, Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced a 25% surcharge on electricity exports to three US states, threatening a complete shutdown if tariffs escalate. This retaliatory measure, while impacting American consumers with increased energy costs, also carries significant risks for Canada’s energy sector. Ford’s actions are a direct response to President Trump’s threatened tariffs on Canadian dairy and lumber, and further increases contingent on border security improvements. The escalating trade conflict highlights the potential for mutual harm in a full-blown trade war.

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Ontario Slaps 25% Tariff on US Electricity Exports

In response to President Trump’s trade war, Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced a 25% electricity surcharge for 1.5 million American consumers in Minnesota, New York, and Michigan, generating an estimated $208,000-$277,000 CAD daily to support Ontario’s economy. This measure, despite a one-month tariff reprieve from the U.S., will remain in effect until all tariffs are removed, with Ford threatening a complete electricity shutdown if necessary. The surcharge adds approximately $69 CAD monthly to affected American bills and is in addition to Canada’s $21 billion in retaliatory tariffs. Ford also urged Alberta to impose an oil export tax, further escalating the trade conflict.

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Ontario Stands Firm: Retaliatory Tariffs Remain Despite US Exemption

Despite a temporary reprieve on some U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods, Ontario will proceed with its planned 25% electricity export tax to New York, Michigan, and Minnesota, beginning Monday. This retaliatory measure, alongside the removal of U.S. alcohol from LCBO shelves and cancelled contracts with American companies, reflects Ontario’s unwavering stance against President Trump’s tariffs. Premier Ford maintains that the temporary reprieve is insufficient and threatens to double the electricity tax if tariffs are not fully removed by April 2nd. The province cites the ongoing threat of further tariffs and the incomplete coverage of Canadian goods by the existing trade agreement as justifications for its actions.

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Ontario Imposes 25% Electricity Surcharge on US, Sparking Trade War Debate

In response to U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods, Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced a 25% surcharge on electricity exports to Minnesota, Michigan, and New York, impacting 1.5 million American customers. This retaliatory measure, effective Monday, follows warnings to the affected states’ governors and reflects Ontario’s firm stance against the tariffs. Premier Ford expressed regret for the surcharge but emphasized the need for the U.S. to remove all tariffs and renegotiate the USMCA. He further highlighted the significant economic uncertainty and job losses resulting from the trade dispute.

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Ford Cancels Starlink Deal: No Trust, No Deal

Ontario Premier Doug Ford permanently cancelled a $100 million contract with SpaceX for Starlink internet service, citing Musk’s role in the Trump administration and the ongoing trade war with the U.S. This decision, made in response to new tariffs, reverses an earlier reinstatement of the contract. Ford maintains the cancellation is final, regardless of future tariff resolutions, prioritizing a “point of principle” over potential financial penalties. The opposition parties have criticized both the initial contract and its subsequent cancellation.

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Canadian Premier’s Energy Apology: Blames Trump, Not America

In response to President Trump’s 25% tariffs on Canadian goods, Ontario Premier Doug Ford threatened to retaliate by cutting off energy exports to the U.S., apologizing to the American people while emphasizing that the issue stems from presidential action, not the American people themselves. Ford affirmed a unified approach with the federal government, vowing to fight back aggressively against these tariffs, leveraging Canada’s significant energy exports to the U.S. This strong stance mirrors Prime Minister Trudeau’s announcement of retaliatory tariffs on US imports totaling C$155 billion, demonstrating a determined Canadian response to the trade dispute. Both leaders emphasize the need for strong countermeasures to protect the Canadian economy.

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Ontario Cancels Starlink Deal, Levies Electricity Tax in Trump Trade War Retaliation

In response to President Trump’s tariffs on Canadian goods, Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced several retaliatory measures. These include cancelling a $100 million contract with Starlink, banning U.S. companies from provincial procurement contracts, and threatening a 25 percent surcharge on electricity exports to border states. Furthermore, the province’s liquor retailer, the LCBO, will cease purchasing American alcohol. These actions are in addition to the federal government’s own retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods.

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