Doug Ford’s decision to impose a 25 per cent tax on electricity sent to the U.S. is a bold, if not necessary, move in a trade war that never should have started. But here we are, watching as Ontario takes the fight to the U.S. in response to President Donald Trump’s economic aggression.
Ford is right to stand his ground. Trump’s tariffs on Canadian imports—25 per cent across the board on most products—are an unjustified attack on a key ally. For years, Canada and the U.S. have shared an economic bond that has strengthened both nations, but Trump has decided to gamble with that relationship. And now, Ontario is showing that Canada won’t be bullied.
Trump’s reckless trade policies are already backfiring. When Ford threatened to cut off power to 1.5 million homes and businesses in the U.S., markets reacted. The economy dipped. American governors, including Minnesota’s Tim Walz, took notice and tried to intervene. Ford has made it clear: this isn’t just about tariffs—it’s about respect and fair play.
Let’s be real—Ontario’s economy is deeply intertwined with the U.S. and vice versa. The idea that America “doesn’t need” Canadian products, as Trump so arrogantly claimed, is laughable. The U.S. relies on Canadian resources, energy, and manufacturing to keep its own economy running. Disrupting this trade hurts both sides. But Ford isn’t backing down, nor should he.
The surcharge on electricity is just the beginning. Ontario has already removed U.S. alcohol from LCBO shelves, canceled a deal with Elon Musk’s Starlink, and banned American companies from bidding on public contracts. These are strong retaliatory measures, and they send a clear message: Canada won’t be pushed around.
Critics may argue that Ford is playing with fire by escalating the situation. But what other choice does he have? Trump’s track record shows that half-measures don’t work. The president has shown no hesitation in hitting allies with tariffs while claiming to put “America First.” Ford recognizes this and is responding with the kind of tough stance Trump understands.
What’s particularly striking is that even U.S. Republicans—Trump’s own party—are reportedly unhappy with these tariffs. They know this trade war is bad for business. But as Ford pointed out, they’re “too scared” to speak out. Meanwhile, everyday Americans—business owners, workers, and consumers—are the ones who will feel the pain.
This entire situation could be resolved easily: Trump needs to drop the tariffs. If he truly values the economic relationship with Canada, he’ll recognize that this is a self-inflicted wound. Until then, Ford is doing exactly what he should be—standing up for Ontario and making it clear that Canada won’t be walked over.
This isn’t about politics; it’s about economic survival and national pride. Trump started this trade war, but he may have underestimated just how tough Canadians can be.
