A Canadian politician has threatened to “turn off the lights” in American homes if President-Elect Donald Trump imposes tariffs.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with Canadian premiers on Wednesday to discuss President Trump’s 25% tariff on all Canadian imports.
While leaving the meeting, Premier Doug Ford stated that he believes there is a “100%” chance the tariffs will go into effect in early January, and in response, he suggested that Ontario’s energy exports be “cut off” to Americans living in border states, according to Global News.
“It would turn off the lights for one million and a half Americans. If they attack us, we must defend Canadians and Ontarians,” Ford told Global News.
Global News reports that Canada generates approximately 85% of the electricity imported into the United States.
Other measures allegedly discussed by Canadian officials included restricting exports of minerals used in elective vehicle batteries and prohibiting the Liquor Control Board of Ontario, the world’s largest purchaser of alcohol, from purchasing alcohol produced in the United States.
“You come in and attack Ontario… we’re going to use every tool in our toolbox to defend Ontarians and Canadians across the border,” Ford said during a press conference on Thursday, according to Global News.
“Let’s hope that never comes to that point,” according to him.
