The Canadian province of Ontario warned that it will stop exporting electricity to the United States if Donald Trump imposes 25% tariffs on Canadian products.
The head of the Government of Ontario, Doug Ford, declared that although the Americans are “allies” and not enemies, he will not hesitate to use extreme measures.
“We simply cannot let ourselves be overwhelmed when we are being attacked,” Ford justified in a press conference.
“We are sending a message to the United States. “If you come and attack Ontario, if you attack the livelihood of Ontario and Canadians, we are going to use every tool at our disposal to defend Ontarians and Canadians,” Ford added.
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Ontario is the most populated and industrial province in the country and where the Canadian automobile sector is concentrated.
It exports energy, mostly electricity, to meet the needs of 1.5 million homes in states such as Michigan, Minnesota and New York.
The head of government of the province of Alberta, where Canada’s main oil and gas reserves are located, Danielle Smith, declared that she has no intention of limiting energy exports to the United States.
Canada is one of the world’s leading oil producers. In 2023, Canada exported four million barrels of oil per day, of which 97% were destined for the United States.
But Smith did announce to the media that Alberta will create a new police unit to reinforce security on its border with the United States.
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The unit will have about 50 agents and will be equipped with 10 surveillance drones and four narcotics detection dogs.
The main mission of the new border patrol will be to prevent illegal trafficking of drugs and people.
US President-elect Donald Trump threatened on November 25 to impose 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico until the flow of drugs and illegal immigrants across the borders stops.
They ask Ottawa for a robust response to Trump
The announcements from Ontario and Alberta come shortly after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau held a meeting with the provincial heads of government on Wednesday night to inform them about the plans of federal authorities in the face of Trump’s threat.
During the meeting, provincial heads asked Ottawa for a “robust response,” said Canada’s Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
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The Canadian government plans to invest about 1 billion Canadian dollars (710 million US dollars) in strengthening border security, Trump’s main demand.
But it is also preparing a list of American products on which tariffs would be imposed if Trump puts his customs rates into effect when he comes to power on January 20.
With information from EFE
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