Canadian Premier Warns Trump After Tariff Seesaw: ‘We Will Be Relentless’

Doug Ford Warns Trump: "We Will Be Relentless" Over Tariffs

The ongoing trade tensions between the U.S. and Canada escalated this week as Ontario Premier Doug Ford issued a stern warning to President Donald Trump, vowing that Canada will not back down until Trump permanently lifts the threat of tariffs on Canadian goods. The standoff began earlier this week when Trump announced plans to impose new tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China, citing concerns over illegal fentanyl imports. However, by Thursday, Trump partially reversed course, signing executive orders to pause tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico that comply with the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) until April 2. Despite this, Ford dismissed the move as insufficient, vowing to retaliate with tariffs on U.S. goods sold in Ontario, including American alcohol products and electricity exports.

Trump’s Tariff Plan and Ford’s Retaliation

Trump’s initial announcement of 25% tariffs on Canadian and Mexican goods, along with a 10% tariff on Chinese products, was framed as a response to the illegal importation of fentanyl. However, the move drew swift criticism from trade experts and allies alike, who argue that tariffs could harm businesses and consumers on both sides of the border. In response, Doug Ford announced that Ontario would retaliate by slapping 25% tariffs on American electricity sold to Michigan, New York, and Minnesota. Ford also ordered the removal of all American alcohol products from Ontario liquor stores, a move that could have significant economic implications for U.S. exporters. Ford made it clear that these measures are a direct response to Trump’s tariffs, stating, “The only thing that’s certain today is more uncertainty. A pause on some tariffs means nothing. Until President Trump removes the threat of tariffs for good, we will be relentless.”

The Human Impact of the Trade Dispute

The trade dispute between Trump and Ford has far-reaching implications for businesses and consumers in both the U.S. and Canada. American consumers could soon face higher prices on goods imported from Canada, while Canadian businesses that rely on U.S. exports may also feel the pinch. Ford has been particularly vocal about the potential consequences, warning that Trump’s policies are already causing chaos in the economy. “Isn’t this a shame?” Ford said in an interview. “It’s an absolute mess. [Trump’s] created chaos. He ran on a mandate to lower costs, lower inflation, create more jobs. It’s the total opposite. You know, people are going to be losing their jobs in the U.S. and in Canada. And inflation’s happening already.”

Uncertainty and the Path Forward

The temporary pause on tariffs for USMCA-compliant goods has done little to ease tensions, with Ford dismissing the move as mere window dressing. Trump, meanwhile, defended his decision, arguing that the pause would help American car manufacturers during the short term. However, the uncertainty surrounding the tariffs has left businesses and consumers on edge, with many bracing for potential price increases and supply chain disruptions. Ford has made it clear that Ontario will continue to retaliate until the tariffs are fully removed, setting the stage for a prolonged trade dispute. As Ford put it, “I feel terrible [for moving forward with the tariffs], there’s one person to be blamed, and this is President Trump.”

Reactions from Both Sides

Reaction to the trade dispute has been mixed, with both Trump and Ford digging in their heels. Trump has framed the tariffs as a necessary measure to protect American interests, while Ford has positioned Canada as a reluctant but determined participant in the trade war. In a news conference earlier this week, Ford insisted that Canada would “win” a trade war with Trump, saying, “I will fight like I’ve never fought before… We want to work with our American friends and allies, not against them. We said we’d never start a trade and tariff war with the U.S., but you better believe we’re ready to win one.”

What’s Next in the Trade Battle

As the deadline for the temporary tariff pause approaches, both sides are bracing for the possibility of further escalation. American consumers in areas that rely on Ontario energy exports could see electricity prices rise as soon as next week if Ford follows through on his threats. Meanwhile, businesses on both sides of the border are urging their leaders to find a resolution to the dispute before it causes further economic harm. For now, it seems that the trade battle between Trump and Ford is far from over, leaving businesses and consumers alike to wonder what comes next.