Ford warns Canada could cut electricity, critical minerals as U.S. trade row deepens

Ontario Premier Doug Ford warned Monday that the province could withhold electricity and critical minerals from the United States as the bilateral trade dispute intensified, saying that “

I'll cut them off

Sharp rhetoric as talks collapse

Ford's remarks came amid a dramatic turn in Canada–U.S. trade relations after federal negotiations broke down late last week. The U.S. administration announced plans to impose a 50 per cent tariff on Canadian automobiles, auto parts and steel beginning next year, and other measures affecting billions of dollars of Canadian exports have taken effect following the collapse of talks.

The Ontario premier said he had been reluctant to speak publicly while the talks were ongoing but signalled a tougher stance after the impasse. He described former U.S. president Ronald Reagan — whom he said President Donald Trump keeps pictured near his desk — as likely to be dismayed by current U.S. policy. “He’d be throwing up on him from the picture if he knew what was going on,” Ford said, adding that Reagan would be “disgusted with President Trump.”

Threats and countermeasures

Ford was explicit that provincial levers are available if the dispute escalates. He warned that Ontario could restrict the flow of critical minerals and electricity to the United States, declaring: “

You won't get a grain of sand out of Ontario.

Federal officials in Ottawa suspended formal trade negotiations on Friday, with Prime Minister Mark Carney walking away from talks after what Canada characterised as unacceptable proposals from the U.S. side. The suspension preceded the imposition of targeted tariffs and promises of further measures from Washington.

Implications for supply and industry

Ontario supplies electricity into regional grids that cross the Canada-U.S. border, and the province is home to resources considered important for high-tech and green-energy supply chains. The premier's comments signal the possibility of provincial action to protect local interests and respond to economic pressure from the United States, raising questions about the reliability of cross-border supply links during a major diplomatic rift.

• Immediate measure announced by U.S.: a 50 per cent tariff on autos, parts and steel, set to begin next year.
• Canada’s response: federal talks suspended; Ottawa has vowed to retaliate to tariffs affecting billions of dollars in exports.
• Ontario’s stance: Premier Ford says provincial measures, including cutting electricity and restricting critical minerals, are on the table.

Political context and reactions

Ford framed his comments as part of a broader pushback after Ottawa stepped away from negotiations. The public escalation reflects divisions within Canada over how best to respond to U.S. trade actions and highlights the role provincial governments may play when trade disputes intersect with regional economic interests.

Federal authorities have not detailed specific retaliatory measures in the source material beyond the suspension of talks and statements that Canada would respond. The imposition of U.S. tariffs and the prospect of additional measures from Washington mark a significant deterioration in ties between two long-standing trading partners.

What comes next

The immediate outlook is uncertain. The United States has announced steep duties and signalled it may take further steps. Canada has vowed to retaliate and held off formal negotiations, while provincial leaders such as Ford assert that they have tools to defend local industry and resources.

The coming days may see further public posturing and potential countermeasures as Ottawa, provincial governments and industry stakeholders assess the economic fallout and legal pathways for response. For now, the dispute underscores how quickly commercial ties between allies can be strained when high-stakes trade policy is used as a lever.