Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced that steps may be taken to bar American-made alcohol and restrict exports of Canadian electricity to Northern U.S. states if the Trump Administration implements its proposed tariffs. This statement follows U.S. President Trump’s plan to impose a 25% tax on all products entering the United States from Canada and Mexico, citing concerns about these countries’ potential roles in the ongoing migrant crisis (AP News).

In addition to potential restrictions on alcohol and electricity, Ontario is considering limiting exports of Canadian minerals that are essential for electric vehicle battery production, U.S. News reports.

Doug Ford is one of several international officials who have signaled possible retaliatory measures in response to the trade policies outlined by the incoming Trump Administration. “It’s a last resort,” Ford told Global News. “I don’t think President-elect Trump wants that to happen… we’re going to use every tool in our toolbox to defend Ontarians and Canadians across the border.” 

Canada remains the largest energy supplier to the U.S., exporting 33.2 million megawatt hours of electricity in 2023. Ontario alone provided enough electricity to power 1.5 million American homes that year. Ford emphasized the impact of Ontario’s threat saying, “It would turn off the lights to a million-and-a-half Americans.” (New York Post).

When asked about Ford’s comments, President Trump told CNBC, “That’s OK if he does that. That’s fine. We have a great relationship. I have so many friends in Canada, but we shouldn’t have to subsidize a country.” 

Trade tensions between the U.S. and Canada continue as the Trump Administration prepares to take office later this month.