Ford doubles down on threat to cut off energy to U.S. amid spectre of trade war

Newly re-elected Premier Doug Ford doubled down Monday on his threat to cut off electricity flowing from Ontario to several American states if the U.S. moves ahead with tariffs.

"If they want to try to annihilate Ontario, I will do anything, including cutting off their energy — with a smile on my face," Ford said during his first news conference since winning a third majority last week. Ontario is a major electricity exporter to New York, Michigan and Minnesota.

"They need to feel the pain. They want to come at us hard? We've got to go back twice as hard," Ford continued.

The comments came on the eve of U.S. President Donald Trump's 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian goods, and 10 per cent on energy.

The import levies could potentially devastate several key Ontario industries like auto manufacturing and steel production, as well as drive up retail prices and fuel more inflation. You can learn more about the impending tariffs here.

Ford added his government is also prepared to implement a surcharge on every megawatt of energy states purchase from Ontario and "rip up" a $100-million deal with Elon Musk's Starlink internet company. The LCBO has already been directed to remove all American booze from its shelves if Trump moves ahead with his threats.

He similarly urged consumers, retailers and municipalities to source goods from Ontario, and from elsewhere in Canada if they can't be found in the province.

Ford said he is "asking politely" before he implements legislation that could require retailers to highlight Canadian-made products on their shelves.

"So please, please work with us, or we're going to legislate it. And start onshoring goods from — you're bringing (goods) around the world — there's nothing we can't build here in Ontario, absolutely nothing," he said.

Ford was mum on whether Ontario would apply any retaliatory tariffs at the provincial level, but repeated his previous support for the federal government to go "dollar for dollar" in its response.

Speaking on NBC's Meet the Press later in the day, Ford also said he would stockpile nickel.

"We'll respond strongly, and we don't want to," he said. "On the critical minerals, I will stop shipments going into the U.S. for nickel. It will shut down manufacturing."

Ontario's strategy for a trade war with the U.S. was central to the four-week, $189-million snap election campaign that came to a close last Thursday.

The Progressive Conservatives platform included about $40 billion in new spending promises, with roughly half of that aimed at supporting industries and workers who could be hurt by tariffs. That includes a new $5-billion Protect Ontario Account, $10 billion in support for employers through a tax deferral, up to $3 billion more in payroll and premium relief and up to $40 million for municipalities.