Premier Ford being urged to ‘walk back’ threat of electricity shut off in possible U.S. tariff showdown

There are calls for Ontario Premier Doug Ford to reconsider any discussion of cutting off energy exports to the United States in response to potential tariff disputes with incoming President Donald Trump, as other provincial leaders express concerns about the consequences of such actions.

The appeal comes from Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, whose province has rejected the idea of using oil and gas exports as leverage in the ongoing efforts to avoid tariffs imposed by the incoming Trump administration.

“I think it’s a non-starter,” Smith told Global News on Monday. “I think it’s too risky to even consider cutting off energy supplies. Wars have been sparked by that kind of talk.”

Ford made waves in the U.S. when he threatened to halt Ontario’s electricity exports to New York, Michigan, and Minnesota as a retaliatory measure – a warning he has reiterated in interviews with Canadian and American media outlets.

“It would leave a million-and-a-half Americans in the dark,” Ford stated. “If they come after us, we need to stand up for Canadians, we need to stand up for Ontarians.”

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Experts in public policy have cautioned that such a move could backfire if the incoming Trump administration decides to escalate and target Ontario’s auto manufacturing sector, a key aspect of the province’s trade relationship with the U.S.

Alberta, which exports 4.3 million barrels of oil to the U.S. daily, swiftly dismissed any talk of restricting exports, with Smith now recommending that Ontario follow suit.

“Energy is crucial to their (the U.S.) interests, economy, national security, and international security,” Smith emphasized. “We need to retract that statement because while discussions about tariffs are valid, we cannot entertain the idea of cutting off such vital products.”

Ford, Smith, and other Canadian Premiers convened in Mississauga on Monday for the Council of the Federation, focusing on Canada’s response to the tariff threat from Trump.

While the topic of retaliation was not explicitly discussed, Smith mentioned that Ford is aware of Alberta’s stance and preference for diplomatic solutions.

“Doug and I have regular communication via text, so when he expresses views I agree with, I let him know, and when I have a different perspective, I share that as well,” Smith explained. “We will continue to have open discussions.”

According to Smith, these discussions include a request to tone down the rhetoric surrounding the bilateral trade relationship.

“Disrupting that relationship would not be a minor conflict,” Smith warned. “It would be a significant issue that would be challenging to resolve.”

During an interview on CNN, Ford reiterated his position that cutting off electricity is one of the options available.

When asked about the possibility of Canada halting oil exports from Alberta, Ford redirected the conversation to the impact of tariffs on American imports of Canadian oil.