Ontario premier does not rule out cutting electricity to US, says ‘appropriate response’ coming over trade war escalation

Ontario Premier Doug Ford reiterated his warning on Tuesday, stating that Canada could cut off electricity exports to the United States entirely if trade tensions between the two countries continue to escalate. He's already bumped tariffs on electricy coming from the province to 25%.

Appearing on MSNBC, Ford condemned President Trump’s latest trade measures, which include increased tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum.

“We will not back down, we will be relentless. I apologize to the American people that President Trump decided to have an unprovoked attack on our country, on families, on jobs. Let’s work together,” Ford said, emphasizing that the market is "tumbling" and "consumer confidence is down."

Ford also warned of economic consequences in the US if tensions continue.

“Assembly plants in Michigan will shut down and around the country,” Ford stated. “As well as businesses, they’re going to hurt and these pensions— when the market goes down it’s going to affect people’s pensions. I’m not sure why he continues to attack his closest friends and allies, but we need the American people to speak out, we need CEOs to have a backbone and stand up in front of him.”

On Tuesday, Ford doubled down on his remarks, suggesting Canada could take action and cut Canadian power to the US. “We’ll see. We’ll talk to the team… We’ll make an appropriate response to President Trump,” Ford said.

His comments came after Trump announced a doubling of tariffs on Canadian aluminum and steel while also making the provocative statement that "it only makes sense for Canada to become the 51st state of the U.S."

"Based on Ontario, Canada, placing a 25% Tariff on 'Electricity' coming into the United States, I have instructed my Secretary of Commerce to add an ADDITIONAL 25% Tariff, to 50%, on all STEEL and ALUMINUM COMING INTO THE UNITED STATES FROM CANADA, ONE OF THE HIGHEST TARIFFING NATIONS ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD," Trump posted on Tuesday.

"This will go into effect TOMORROW MORNING, March 12th. Also, Canada must immediately drop their Anti-American Farmer Tariff of 250% to 390% on various U.S. dairy products, which has long been considered outrageous. I will shortly be declaring a National Emergency on Electricity within the threatened area. This will allow the U.S. to quickly do what has to be done to alleviate this abusive threat from Canada. If other egregious, long-time Tariffs are not likewise dropped by Canada, I will substantially increase, on April 2nd, the Tariffs on Cars coming into the U.S., which will, essentially, permanently shut down the automobile manufacturing business in Canada. Those cars can easily be made in the USA!"