Ontario Premier warns Trump’s tariff plan would be a “Disaster”

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has issued a stern warning about President-elect Donald Trump’s proposed 25% tariffs on all Canadian imports, labeling the plan a “disaster” for the integrated economies of the U.S. and Canada. Speaking in an exclusive interview, Ford emphasized the economic fallout such measures could have, not only for Canada but also for U.S. stock markets.

Ford also expressed deep concern over Trump’s plans for mass deportations of undocumented individuals, revealing contingency plans to deploy Ontario police to the border if a migration surge occurs.

Ford Criticizes Tariffs as Economic Threat

Ford underscored the interconnectedness of U.S.-Canada trade, particularly in the auto sector, where components often cross the border multiple times before final assembly. “It is so integrated. I don’t even know how you separate that in the supply chain. It would be a disaster,” Ford said. He warned that the tariffs could lead to a sharp market downturn, which he believes would catch Trump’s attention.

“I know he has many scorecards, but one is the stock market,” Ford added. “The market will drop, and we have every CEO saying that is not the way to go.”

In response to Ford’s remarks, Trump transition spokesperson Brian Hughes defended the proposed tariffs, claiming they aim to protect American workers from unfair trade practices.

Ontario’s Plan for Border Security

Ford expressed alarm over Trump’s mass deportation plans, which include using the National Guard and mobilizing domestic police forces. Ford stated that Ontario has a readiness plan to dispatch hundreds of provincial police officers to the Canada-U.S. border “within hours” if necessary.

“We’ll make sure that we tighten up that border like we’ve never seen before,” Ford said, adding that local, provincial, and federal authorities in Canada are preparing to coordinate efforts.

Canada’s Response to Border Security Challenges

The Canadian federal government has unveiled additional measures to bolster border security and avert the imposition of tariffs. The plan includes a new aerial intelligence task force, deploying drones, helicopters, and surveillance towers, along with additional scanners and sniffer dog teams to intercept fentanyl and other illicit substances.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also announced proposals for a North American “joint strike force” to combat cross-border organized crime. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Trudeau stated, “We’re stepping up to keep our border strong and secure.”

Trudeau, who is facing political turmoil at home following the resignation of his finance minister, received support from Ford, who said Canada’s provincial premiers stand united in emphasizing the importance of U.S.-Canada trade.

Tariff Impact on Energy and Trade

Ford warned that Ontario could restrict electricity exports to U.S. states like Michigan, New York, and Minnesota if Trump’s tariffs go into effect. “I want to sell them more energy, more critical minerals, but I’m going to always keep every tool in our toolbox available,” Ford said, describing export restrictions as a last resort.

Canada supplies about 60% of U.S. crude oil imports and 85% of its electricity imports. It is also the largest foreign supplier of steel, aluminum, uranium, and critical minerals essential for U.S. defense and technology industries.

With $3.6 billion Canadian ($2.7 billion) in goods and services crossing the border daily, Ford stressed the importance of cooperation, particularly with key trading partners like Michigan.

Ford Pushes for Bilateral Trade with U.S.

While Ford reiterated his desire to work with Trump to address trade issues, he also floated the idea of a bilateral trade agreement between Canada and the U.S., bypassing Mexico.

“We want to sit down and explain to Trump and inform him that we aren’t the enemy,” Ford said.

Border Dynamics: U.S.-Canada vs. U.S.-Mexico

Ford also highlighted the stark differences in border challenges between Canada and Mexico. U.S. customs seized only 43 pounds of fentanyl at the northern border in the last fiscal year, compared to 21,100 pounds at the southern border with Mexico. Similarly, U.S. Border Patrol reported 1.53 million migrant encounters at the southwest border, compared to just 23,721 at the Canadian border.

While most fentanyl in the U.S. originates from Mexican cartels using precursors from Asia, Ford pointed to Canada’s proactive measures to prevent cross-border trafficking and organized crime.

As Canada faces increasing economic and security pressures, Ford’s remarks underscore the need for close cooperation between the U.S. and Canada to protect trade and ensure stability in the region.