In a fiery showdown over U.S. trade policies, Ontario Premier Doug Ford has issued sharp warnings to Washington, threatening to ban American liquor sales in Ontario stores and to cut power exports to neighboring U.S. states if proposed tariffs on Canadian goods are implemented.
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With tensions escalating, Ford has positioned himself as Canada’s “street fighter,” vowing to protect Ontario’s interests and deliver a robust response to U.S. policies.
Ford’s “Canada is Not for Sale” Stance
Appearing in a blue MAGA-inspired hat emblazoned with “Canada is not for sale,” the Ontario Premier outlined his aggressive stance during a recent interview with Politico.
“If someone throws a punch at me, I’m going to hit him back twice as hard,” Ford declared. Despite his admiration for the United States, Ford expressed frustration over President Donald Trump’s plan to impose 25% tariffs on Canadian goods starting February 1.
“I love the U.S. as much as anyone here in Canada,” Ford said. “But when it comes to unfair policies, I won’t stand idly by.”
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Threats to Ban U.S. Liquor and Cut Power Supplies
Ford’s proposed retaliatory measures include:
- Banning U.S. liquor sales in Ontario stores: Ford warned that if tariffs proceed, Ontario may halt the sale of American-made alcohol products.
- Cutting electricity exports: Ford previously threatened to suspend electricity exports to key U.S. states, including Michigan, Minnesota, and New York. These regions rely heavily on Canadian power to meet their energy demands.
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A Call for Unity Amid Economic Threats
While Ford’s rhetoric is combative, he also emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong alliance between the U.S. and Canada. Writing in a Wall Street Journal op-ed, Ford cautioned against the risks of a trade war, stating that only competitors like China would benefit.
“The U.S. and Canada can be the richest, safest, and most secure countries on the planet,” Ford wrote. “Fortress Am-Can—a renewed strategic alliance between the U.S. and Canada—can bring economic growth, job creation, and prosperity to both nations.”
Early Elections to Strengthen Ontario’s Position
Ford has called for early elections in Ontario, seeking to strengthen his party’s majority to stand firm against U.S. trade measures. “This is a fight I’m willing to take to ensure Ontario’s economy is protected,” he asserted.
Diplomacy or Defiance? The Road Ahead
Despite his combative approach, Ford has not ruled out collaboration with the U.S., signaling a willingness to work with Trump if fair trade terms can be reached. “Being enemies is not the way to go,” Ford admitted, though he remains committed to defending Ontario against economic threats.
As February 1 looms, Ford’s bold rhetoric and decisive actions will test the resilience of cross-border relations, potentially reshaping the economic and political dynamics between the U.S. and Canada.
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