Key Takeaways:

• Ontario Premier Doug Ford promises to implement a 25% tariff on electricity exports to Michigan, New York, and Minnesota.
• Ford criticizes U.S. tariffs imposed by President Trump, calling them "crazy" and detrimental to both Canadian and American economies.
• Canadian lawmakers warn of potential complete shutdown of electricity exports as a form of retaliation.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has reacted strongly to President Trump’s recent decision to impose 25% tariffs on Canadian goods, announcing plans to levy a similar charge on electricity flowing to several U.S. states. During an appearance on Fox Business, Ford confirmed that tariffs would begin on Monday, directly affecting Michigan, New York, and Minnesota. "I love Americans…but in saying that, no, we're going to put a 25 percent tariff on electricity coming from Ontario," Ford stated, emphasizing the adverse effects these tariffs could have on both Canadian and American families.

In response to Trump’s trade policies, which Ford described as "an absolute mess," he expressed concern for potential job losses in both Canada and the U.S. "You know, people are going to be losing their jobs in the U.S. and in Canada, and inflation is happening already,” he asserted during the broadcast. He lamented how the chaos produced by these tariffs could escalate the already precarious cost of living crisis affecting both nations.

Furthermore, Ford underscored a stern warning, signaling that if necessary, Ontario would not hesitate to cut off electricity completely to the U.S. "I won't hesitate to increase this surcharge or, if necessary, shut the electricity off completely," Ford declared in a statement on social media. He reiterated Ontario's status as a key electricity supplier to the U.S., asserting, "Ontario and Canada are America's largest customer and export destination." The impact of the tariffs, he argued, would not only make life more expensive for Americans but could also hurt Canadian exporters.

In a bid to foster dialogue, New York Governor Kathy Hochul responded cautiously to Ford's threats, suggesting that a collaborative approach would be more beneficial during these times of economic uncertainty. "I'd be happy to have additional conversations with him on how we can support each other during this crisis," she said.

As the situation develops, both Canadian and U.S. lawmakers seem to agree that the fallout from trade tensions will be costly, with implications for consumers on both sides of the border.