Ontario Premier Warns Canada Could Cut Electricity, Critical Minerals to U.S.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford said that Ronald Reagan would be “throwing up” over President Donald Trump's trade policies and warned that Canada could cut off electricity and critical minerals to the United States as the trade dispute between the two countries escalates, Rob Gillies reported for The Associated Press (AP).

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has warned that Canada could consider restricting electricity and critical-mineral exports to the United States amid the escalating trade dispute. [Photo: Ontario]

In an interview with AP, Ford said Trump had underestimated Canadians' willingness to endure economic pain rather than give in to US pressure.

“He underestimates Canada. We're all in,” Ford said. “Up here, we're at a fever pitch, everyone's in for an economic war. They know they're going to have to sacrifice.”

Trump said Monday that new 50% tariffs on Canadian automobiles, auto parts and steel would begin next year.

Ford accused Trump of having “declared war, economic war against his closest friend and ally” and invoked Reagan, whose opposition to tariffs Ford had previously highlighted in a television advertising campaign aimed at Americans.

Ford noted that Trump keeps a portrait of Reagan near his desk.

“He'd be throwing up on him from the picture if he knew what was going on, spinning around in his grave right now,” Ford said.

“He should maybe take that picture off the wall and move it somewhere else. Because right now, Ronald Reagan would be disgusted with Trump.”