Following Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s suggestion that the province might cut off energy exports to the U.S. in response to 25 percent tariffs, the premiers of Alberta, Quebec, and Newfoundland have said they will not take the same approach.
During a Nov. 11 press conference, Ford said Ontario was contemplating restricting electricity exports to the U.S. states of Michigan, New York, and Minnesota if President-elect Donald Trump were to impose tariffs on all Canadian products. “We’re going to put our list together, and I’m sure the other provinces will as well, but we will go to the full extent, depending on how far this goes,” Ford said.
“I don’t want this to happen, but my number one job is to protect Ontarians and Canadians as a whole.”
Trump has threatened to implement 25 percent tariffs on Canada and Mexico if they fail to adequately boost their border security and stop illegal immigration and drug smuggling into the United States.
Ford doubled down on his threat on Nov. 12, calling it a “last resort measure” that would affect 1.5 million homes in the U.S. “We’re sending a message to the U.S. ... you attack the livelihoods of the people of Ontario and Canadians, we’re going to use every tool in our toolbox to defend Ontarians and Canadians across the border,” he said.
When asked about Ford’s comments on Nov. 12, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said that “under no circumstances will Alberta agree to cut off oil and gas exports.” Smith said she did not support tariffs being levied on either Canada or the U.S., as it would “make life more expensive for everyday Canadians and everyday Americans.”
She said her province is taking a “diplomatic approach” and working with the U.S. to ensure that Alberta’s oil and gas sector can be “part of the solution to energy affordability.” Smith also said Alberta has been working with the bordering state of Montana to improve border security and crack down on drug trafficking and illegal immigration.
During a press conference held the same day, Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Andrew Furey said tariffs would have a “significant impact” on Canadians and Americans. “There will be no winners in a trade war. Certainly from Newfoundland and Labrador’s perspective, we have no interest in stopping the flow of oil and gas ... to the United States,” he said.
Quebec Premier François Legault said he had recently spoken with Trump in Paris on Dec. 7 for the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral, where the incoming president assured him that Canada could avoid tariffs if it does “what needs to be done with the borders.”
“I think the best choice right now for Mr. Trudeau is to table a plan with money, with the number of people, to better secure the border,” he said. “I prefer that than starting a war and stopping sending energy to the United States.”
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew, meanwhile, would not say whether his province would threaten to withhold hydroelectric exports to the U.S.“ We are preparing our list and starting to think through what those options should look like,” he said. “I’m not going to make specific news today about items that we’re looking at.”
Kinew added that some premiers in a call with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Wednesday felt retaliatory measures wouldn’t work.
Trudeau and the premiers also agreed on the importance of a united approach, and that a 25 percent tariff on Canadian goods would “raise prices and increase hardship for hardworking families in both countries.”
