TORONTO — Ontario Premier Doug Ford is pressing ahead with a 25 percent tax on electricity exports to several U.S. states, signaling an escalation in Canada’s ongoing trade standoff—even as the U.S. temporarily suspends tariffs on some imports until April 2.
Speaking on 640Toronto with host Ben Mulroney on Thursday, Ford confirmed that the tax will be officially announced on Monday and could take effect as early as Tuesday.
“We are moving forward with it,” Ford stated firmly.
While expressing sympathy for ordinary Americans, he laid the blame squarely on U.S. President Donald Trump.
“I feel terrible for the American people because it’s not them, and it’s not even the elected officials—it’s one person, and that’s President Trump,” Ford said. “It’s totally unacceptable. He’s targeting his closest friends and allies, and it’s going to devastate both economies.”
The electricity tax has been on Ford’s radar since before Trump took office, with the Ontario government previously warning of more drastic measures, including cutting off power to 1.5 million homes and businesses in the U.S. if the economic dispute escalates further.
This threat, first floated in December, follows Trump’s decision earlier this week to impose sweeping 25 percent tariffs on Canadian imports, triggering a full-blown trade war between the two countries.
On Monday, as the tariffs loomed, an incensed Ford told reporters he would “cut off energy to the U.S. with a smile on my face” if necessary. He then launched a media blitz, making appearances on major American networks like CNN and FOX News to highlight Ontario’s position.
By Wednesday, Ford suggested that his electricity ultimatum had struck a nerve, pointing to market instability following his comments.
“The market tanked—that’s what really caught his attention,” Ford told reporters. “I think the electricity issue got the world’s attention, not just down there.”
As tensions between Canada and the U.S. continue to escalate, all eyes are now on how Washington will respond to Ontario’s latest move.
