Canada’s Ontario Premier Threatens Energy Blockade Over Trump’s Tariffs

Ontario Premier Doug Ford is warning the U.S. that Canada could hit back hard if President Donald Trump moves forward with new tariffs on Canadian goods. Speaking at a mining convention Monday, Ford said he’d push for energy export restrictions to the U.S. and wouldn’t hesitate to “cut off their energy with a smile” if Trump escalates the trade fight.

Trump’s Tariffs and the Growing Trade Battle

On Monday, Trump announced that new tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China would take effect the next day. Canadian exports—excluding energy—will be hit with a 25% tariff, while energy products face a 10% tariff. Mexico is seeing similar penalties, and Chinese goods are being slapped with an extra 10% tariff.

In response, both Ottawa and Beijing have announced countermeasures, adding fuel to fears of a global trade war. Canada, the largest foreign supplier of crude oil to the U.S., accounted for 59% of all U.S. crude imports in 2019, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. That gives Canada significant leverage in trade talks—but using energy as a weapon could backfire, experts warn, potentially disrupting markets on both sides of the border.

Can Ford Actually Cut Off Energy Exports?

Ford, a Progressive Conservative, made it clear that he’s ready to escalate if needed.

“I don’t start a tariff war, but we’re going to win this tariff war,” Ford declared. “If they want to try to annihilate Ontario, I will do everything—including cut off their energy with a smile on my face, and I’m encouraging every other province to do the same.”

But while his words may be bold, Ford doesn’t have the power to unilaterally shut off energy exports. Trade between Canada and the U.S. is regulated at the federal level, meaning any move to restrict energy exports would require action from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government. So far, Trudeau hasn’t signaled he’s willing to take that step.

Still, Ford’s remarks highlight growing frustration within Canada over the U.S.’s aggressive trade policies. Provinces like Ontario and Alberta supply much of America’s energy, and many Canadian officials believe it’s time to push back. Even if Ford’s threat is more talk than action, it puts pressure on Trudeau to take a tougher stance against Trump’s tariffs.

That said, Canada should make a spectacle out of this if it actually happens. This is the kind of moment that deserves a full-on dramatization—think Canadian Bacon-style storytelling. Picture an old couple sitting by the fireplace, sipping tea, grumbling about America’s arrogance. The husband sighs, puts down his biscuit, strolls over to a vintage control panel, and presses a single, glowing red button. The lights in Wisconsin flicker. Then darkness. The message? This is what happens when you push your luck with Canada.

How Will Trump Respond?

The White House has yet to comment on Ford’s remarks, but U.S. trade officials have defended the tariffs as necessary to protect American industries. Trump has a history of doubling down on trade disputes, and a standoff over Canadian energy exports could further strain relations between the two countries.

And let’s be honest—Trump’s team may not be too worried about how this affects everyone. Just like in 2018, when the EU strategically targeted red-state industries like Kentucky whiskey and Florida orange juice in their countermeasures, Canada and other affected nations may look for ways to make sure the pain is felt by Trump’s base rather than his opposition.

Meanwhile, Americans in northern states—who didn’t exactly ask for this—are bracing for impact. If the lights go out in Wisconsin, we’ll feel it 100%. But if Canada does go through with it, many will understand why. The burden of Trump’s policies doesn’t just fall on his supporters—it drags down everyone. And if Canada is going to retaliate, it might as well make it count.

Where This Trade Fight Is Headed

Ford’s government hasn’t taken formal steps to limit energy exports, but his rhetoric signals that Canada may be willing to use energy as a bargaining chip in trade negotiations. With neither side backing down, the dispute is heading into uncertain territory—one where energy security could become a major flashpoint.

If this really escalates, expect the political theater to go global—and, for better or worse, watch the ratings go through the roof.