Canadian Premier Imposes 25% Tariffs on Electricity Exports to U.S., Warns He Will 'Not Hesitate to Shut the Electricity off Completely'

Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced that, effective Monday, the province will impose a 25% surcharge on electricity exports to the United States in response to President Donald Trump's recent trade tariffs. The measure affects approximately 1.5 million Americans in Minnesota, New York, and Michigan. Ford stated that he is prepared to escalate further if necessary.

"I will not hesitate to increase this charge," said Ford during a press conference reported by The Associated Press. "If the United States escalates, I will not hesitate to shut the electricity off completely." He also acknowledged that he feels "terrible for the American people who didn't start this trade war" but placed sole responsibility on President Trump

Trump initiated new tariffs last week, targeting key trading partners, including Canada, Mexico, and China. While Trump later announced a one-month reprieve for some Canadian and Mexican imports, following negative reactions from financial markets, Ford dismissed the pause as insufficient and vowed to maintain Ontario's tariffs.

"It needs to end. Until these tariffs are off the table, until the threat of tariffs is gone for good, Ontario will not relent," he said.

The surcharge will apply to any generator selling electricity to the U.S., with Ontario's government estimating daily revenue between CA$300,000 ($208,000) and CA$400,000 ($277,000). The funds, according to Ford's office, will be directed to support Ontario workers, families, and businesses.

The move comes as part of Canada's broader retaliation, which includes federal tariffs on American products such as orange juice, peanut butter, coffee, and certain appliances.

Ford has also urged Alberta to consider an export tax on oil, noting that the province supplies 4.3 million barrels of oil per day to the U.S. "You want to talk about a Trump card. That will instantly change the game," he said, predicting that a spike in American fuel prices would lead to public backlash. Canada currently provides nearly 60% of U.S. crude oil imports and 85% of its electricity imports.

Ontario's response follows earlier remarks by Ford last Tuesday, when he apologized to Americans while warning that he was willing to take extreme measures during an interview on CNN:

"This is unnecessary and we do have to retaliate. And I apologize to the American people. It's not you; it's your president that's causing this problem. We're the number one customer in the world in the United States, we had a great relationship, and want to continue on with that relationship, but I will use every tool in our toolbox to send a message to President Trump that this is the wrong thing to do"

Trump on the other hand has also suggested broader tariffs on Canadian steel, aluminum, and dairy, and has urged American automakers to shift production away from Canada. Ontario, home to a significant portion of Canada's auto industry, is particularly affected by these policies.

Ford's Progressive Conservative government recently won reelection, in part by emphasizing a strong stance against Trump's trade actions.