The largest state in Canada, Ontario, is mulling over halting the exportation of energy to the U.S. following President-elect Donald Trump’s warning that a 25% tariff would be placed on all goods entering the U.S. from Canada. In his latest post on social media, Trump explained that these tariffs are retaliatory measures against Canada for not securing the border well enough against the fentanyl traffickers and illegal migrants.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford said that cutting off the energy supplies to the U.S. is an option to protect Canadian interests. “We will go to the extent of cutting off their energy—going down to Michigan, New York State, and over to Wisconsin. I don’t want this to happen, but my number one job is to protect Ontarians and Canadians as a whole,” Ford said during a meeting of premiers called by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on December 11.
Ford underscored that for this possible battle, Canada should be ready, and with Trump’s inauguration getting closer, a conflict is inevitable. “This fight is coming 100 percent on January 20 or January 21,” he said. While Trump once chided Canada over how it is dealing with the illegal migration, Ottawa said it considers the risks of both drug and human trafficking on the northern border as pretty low.
If Ottawa decides to block energy exports, both Canada and the U.S. could face significant economic repercussions. The U.S. consumes over 97% of Canada’s crude oil exports, sourcing 60% of its oil imports from Canada alone. Any disruption in this trade could have severe implications for both economies.
Despite the escalating tensions, Canadian Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland is reportedly compiling a list of items for potential retaliation. Ford noted that he, along with Freeland and other premiers, are working together to formulate their response.
