Ontario Premier Vows to Fight US Tariffs 'To the End'

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has reiterated his commitment to fight U.S. President Donald Trump's 50% tariffs "to the end," warning that all options remain open as the trade conflict between the two nations escalates.

Speaking at a news conference in Vaughan, Ontario, Ford doubled down on earlier threats to curtail energy exports to the United States, but stressed that any such action would require coordination among Canada's provinces.

"If this escalates, and we can't get back to the table, and he keeps coming after us, all options are on the table in my opinion, but I can't do it alone," Ford said. "We have other provinces that send electricity down to the US. We all have to be on the same page."

The comments come amid a rapid escalation in tit-for-tat tariffs between Ottawa and Washington. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has already responded to the new U.S. duties by imposing counter-tariffs on approximately $20 billion worth of American imports, including steel, dairy products, appliances, and farm equipment.

Ford acknowledged that the conflict has become personal, describing the U.S. president as a "bully" who does not care about the livelihoods of Canadian workers. He noted that the pressure has united Canada across political lines in a way he has never witnessed before.

"Everyone is united. And if there's two great things that President Trump did for our country, he woke us up, woke us up real quick," Ford said. "And he's united the country that I've never seen before."

The Ontario premier also revealed that his strong language has drawn support from leaders in the UK, Italy, Germany, India, and France, suggesting the message has resonated globally. He was careful to distinguish between the U.S. administration and the American people, noting that many U.S. governors, senators, and congresspeople are frustrated with the tariffs.

Despite the heated rhetoric on both sides, analysts believe the longtime allies will eventually negotiate a deal to end a conflict that neither country truly wants to sustain.