Ontario Premier Doug Ford wants to retaliate quicker with counter-tariffs
· Toronto Sun
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A quick dispensation of economic justice is on the mind of Ontario Premier Doug Ford.
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“We have to retaliate a lot quicker than Sept. 8, in my opinion,” Ford said on the Bill Carroll radio show on CFRB Monday morning.
After the collapse of the trade talks between the United States and Canada on Friday night, Prime Minister Mark Carney stated that counter-tariffs on the United States would take effect on Sept. 8.
“I was dead set against this (deal) on Wednesday, and I was dead against it on Thursday, and I am still dead against this deal,” Ford said. “I mentioned that to the prime minister, and I am glad we made that decision not to accept this deal.”
Carney said that Canada left the bargaining table after the Americans made unacceptable demands. One particular demand was to impose restrictions on Canada’s ability to make trade deals with other countries.
Ford’s concerns with deal
Ford called that provision “unacceptable.”
In the 14-plus minute conversation with Carroll, Ford also touched on other areas that he didn’t like.
“After speaking to the CEOs of the auto sector, the auto parts manufacturers, CEOs of the steel sector, everyone was saying it was a terrible deal,” Ford said. “It would bleed out the steel sector, auto sector, parts sector, manufacturing sector and all the other jobs that are connected which would be hundreds of thousands of jobs.”
After the failed talks, the U.S. immediately implemented a 50% tariff on Canadian exports like dairy, alcohol, electronics, and building materials.
Ford admitted there would be “pain,” as an even more vicious trade war threatens to escalate. Ford called Trump a “bully” and said the province will not back down.
“We have to hit them hard, and we have to make sure they feel pain like we are going to feel pain,” Ford said. “We have to throw everything in the kitchen sink. Nothing should be off the table. It is unfortunate.”
Power grid as leverage?
Carroll asked if Ford would consider using the power grid for leverage, along with critical minerals.
“That is on the table,” the premier said. “If (Trump) wants to attack Ontario workers, my No. 1 job is to protect Ontario and when we protect Ontario, we protect the rest of Canada. Everything is on the table, and I won’t hesitate to use it. We need all premiers around the country feel the exact same way. We need to maximize retaliation until they feel the pain.
“Trump started a war and we are going to win this war.”
The province sells surplus electricity to America when the grid produces more power than the province requires. Ontario has electricity transmission connections to New York State, Michigan, and Minnesota. Ford said in a previous interview that the surcharge would be felt by at least 1.5 million homes and businesses in those areas.
The province said it exported 14.6, 14.2 and 12.0 terawatt hours of electricity to the United States between 2021 and 2023, respectively.
There are no new talks scheduled at the moment. Ford hopes cooler heads prevail, and quickly. Carroll asked if talks could begin again before Labour Day.
“I sure hope so,” Ford said. “Because this doesn’t work. I believe in more trade and creating more jobs on both sides of the border. Making sure we support industries and work together and make sure we thrive and prosper.”
When the U.S. midterm general election is held on Nov. 3., Ford predicted Trump will receive a “rude awakening.” He also called Trump “arrogant” and “cocky.”
“I truly believe Donald Trump is going to get a rude awakening in the mid-terms and I can’t wait,” Ford said. “I would vote early and often for anyone but Trump.”