Canada threatens to cut electricity to US as Trump’s trade war with Mark Carney escalates

WASHINGTON, DC: Ontario Premier Doug Ford has warned Donald Trump that Canada could hit back at the US with electricity and critical mineral restrictions as the trade fight between the two countries intensifies.

The warning came Monday, August 24, after Trump announced fresh tariffs targeting Canada’s auto industry. Ford said Ontario should be prepared to “throw everything in the kitchen sink” if Trump continued putting pressure on Canadian manufacturing.

Doug Ford warns Donald Trump about US electricity supply

Ford said Ontario could cut electricity exports to the US, stressing the scale of the province’s power supply.

“We power 1.5 million homes and businesses,” Ford told the Associated Press. “Everything’s on the table. I’ll do whatever it takes.”

“[Trump] better have a pack of batteries,” Ford added.

Ontario’s premier also warned that Canada could restrict critical mineral supplies to the US. “I’ll cut them off,” Ford said. “You won’t get a grain of sand out of Ontario.”

Canada supplied about 5% of New England’s power in 2024, with its share reaching as high as 15% during peak winter months.

Ford also attacked Trump personally, calling him “arrogant” and “cocky” during a radio interview.

Donald Trump fires back at Doug Ford

Trump responded on Truth Social, dismissing Ford’s warning as “bluster” and saying the US had been “carrying Canada for decades.”

“The USA will always be far bigger, richer, and stronger than Canada,” Trump wrote. He warned Canada would face consequences that were “far worse” if its leaders did not “fall in line.”

Trump also accused Canada of exploiting the US and said American farmers had been hurt by what he called “ridiculously high tariffs.”

“Canada has been ripping off the United States of America for years,” Trump wrote. “Canada will be treated like a state no longer. They feel entitled, and yet, we don’t need Canada, they need us.”

The president’s latest tariffs will push duties on Canadian cars, trucks, automotive parts and steel to 50% from January 1.

Mark Carney prepares Canada’s response

The escalation follows the collapse of month-long trade negotiations between Washington and Ottawa.

Prime Minister Mark Carney ended the talks after Washington sought concessions that Canada said would have restricted its ability to negotiate trade agreements with other countries.

Carney called the demand “unacceptable” and “a question of sovereignty.”

“Canada will match those tariffs dollar for dollar to protect our workers and businesses,” Carney said Saturday.

Canada’s retaliatory tariffs are scheduled to begin September 8 and will target US steel, dairy, agricultural equipment and other goods.

Ontario auto industry faces fresh pressure

The dispute is especially significant for Ontario’s auto sector, where manufacturing supply chains stretch across the US-Canada border.

Parts can cross the border several times before a vehicle is completed.

Ford accused Trump of trying to weaken Canadian industries and move production south. “He wants to bleed out every single sector and bring them down to the US,” Ford said.

The premier also invoked Ronald Reagan while criticizing Trump’s approach toward Canada.

“He’d be throwing up ... if he knew what was going on, spinning around in his grave right now,” Ford said. “He should maybe take that picture off the wall and move it somewhere else. Because right now, Ronald Reagan would be disgusted with President Trump.”

Despite the escalating rhetoric, Ford said Canada should keep negotiating. “I never believe in walking away from the table. Continue negotiating and see where we go,” he added.