Oh boy, Doug Ford sure knows how to issue a bluff with the strength of a wet noodle. The Ontario Premier recently threatened to cut off fuel to Michigan, New York, and Wisconsin if President-elect Trump imposes tariffs on Canada. But someone might want to remind Ford how trade economics work — the United States accounts for over 75% of Canada’s exports. If Ford’s plan is to choke off his own economy, he’s on the right track!
Trump’s announcement of a 25% tariff on all goods from Mexico and Canada was crystal clear: either stop the illegal alien invasion and fentanyl flood, or face the consequences. Trump isn’t playing around. “This Tariff will remain in effect until such time as Drugs, in particular Fentanyl, and all Illegal Aliens stop this Invasion of our Country!” he declared. And guess what? Mexico and Canada *do* have the power to solve this issue — they just haven’t been willing to act.
Ford’s response to this was to huff and puff like a big bad wolf. “We will go to the extent of cutting off their energy, going down to Michigan, going down to New York State and over to Wisconsin,” he warned. Ah yes, because causing massive economic damage to his own province is *definitely* the way to win this fight. This threat is as credible as a Hollywood tough guy who’s never been in a real fight.
The reality is, Ford’s posturing is for show. Canada’s economy leans heavily on trade with the U.S., and any fuel cut-off would backfire spectacularly. Cutting energy to Michigan alone — a state deeply intertwined with Ontario’s economy — would devastate Canadian industries. Ford even admitted, “I don’t want this to happen,” which is political speak for, “I know I can’t really do this.”
Trump, on the other hand, isn’t in the business of empty threats. His tariff proposal is about protecting American interests, controlling the border crisis, and stopping the fentanyl that’s poisoning U.S. communities. Canada may be America’s neighbor, but neighbors who don’t respect boundaries need a wake-up call.
Ford’s “every tool in our toolbox” threat rings hollow when his toolbox is half-empty and rusting. Canada needs the U.S. more than the U.S. needs Canada. If Ford wants to play economic chicken with Trump, he’d better strap in for a loss. America isn’t backing down, and Trump isn’t about to be swayed by a sputtering Premier waving a white flag behind closed doors.