Donald Trump responds to Doug Ford's threat to cut off energy amid looming tariffs

Summary

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has threatened to cut off energy supplies to the US in retaliation for proposed tariffs by Donald Trump. Trump responded by claiming the US is subsidizing Canada and questioning why other provinces aren't following Ontario's stance. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith disagreed, vowing not to halt oil and gas exports. The conflict over tariffs deepens, with Smith announcing a new plan to improve border security through specialized sheriffs and surveillance to curb illegal cross-border activity. Ottawa is working on a broader strategy to strengthen border relations, expected to be revealed soon.

Takeaways

• 😀 Premier Doug Ford of Ontario threatens to cut off energy supply to the U.S. in response to Donald Trump's proposed tariffs.
• 😀 Ford stresses that any attack on Ontario would affect the livelihoods of Ontarians and Canadians, indicating strong retaliation.
• 😀 Trump dismisses Ford's threat, claiming that the U.S. subsidizes Canada and should not have to continue doing so.
• 😀 Alberta's Premier, Danielle Smith, rejects the idea of cutting off oil and gas exports to the U.S., emphasizing the province's unwillingness to follow Ontario's lead.
• 😀 Ford's comments signal deeper provincial disagreements, with Alberta resisting measures that could harm its economic interests.
• 😀 Ford expresses doubts that Canada can avoid U.S. tariffs, citing a meeting with Trump in Paris where border issues were discussed as crucial.
• 😀 Alberta Premier Smith announces a plan to strengthen border security, including the use of trained sheriffs, K9 teams, and drones to prevent illegal cross-border activity.
• 😀 Smith believes that strengthening border security will help maintain a strong relationship with the United States.
• 😀 Ottawa presented a new border security plan to the premiers, which is expected to be made public in the coming days.
• 😀 The ongoing tensions highlight a growing rift between Canadian provinces and the federal government over how to address U.S. tariff threats and border security.

Q & A

What is Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s stance on the proposed tariffs by Donald Trump?

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has threatened to cut off energy supply to the US in retaliation to the proposed tariffs by Donald Trump. He stated that if the US attacks Ontario, it would harm the livelihoods of Ontarians and Canadians, and that Ontario would use all available tools to defend its people.

How did Donald Trump respond to Doug Ford’s threat to cut off energy supplies?

Donald Trump responded by saying that it would be fine if Ontario cuts off energy supplies, adding that the US is subsidizing Canada, which he believes is a subsidy that should not be necessary.

What was the position of Alberta regarding cutting off energy supplies to the US?

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith made it clear that Alberta would not agree to cut off oil and gas exports to the US under any circumstances, and emphasized that she would not interfere with electricity exports either.

What did Premier Ford say about Canada’s ability to avoid US tariffs?

Premier Ford expressed his belief that Canada will not be able to avoid US tariffs. He mentioned that his meeting with Trump in Paris confirmed that Canada could only avoid tariffs if the country addresses border-related issues.

What new initiative did Alberta Premier Danielle Smith announce to strengthen border security?

Premier Danielle Smith announced the creation of a team of specially trained Alberta sheriffs, consisting of over 50 officers, K9 teams, and cold weather surveillance drones, aimed at patrolling the border to prevent illegal cross-border activity.

What was the purpose of the Alberta Border Security initiative?

The purpose of the Alberta Border Security initiative is to ensure better border control and stop illegal cross-border activity, which is seen as key to maintaining strong relations with the United States.

How did Alberta's initiative relate to the broader Canada-US relationship?

Alberta’s border security initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen Canada-US relations by addressing border security, which Alberta believes will help ensure continued positive relations with the United States.

What role did the Canadian federal government play in the discussions about border security?

The Canadian federal government, through Ottawa, presented a plan to strengthen border security during a meeting with the Alberta Premier. This plan is expected to be made public in the coming days.

Why does Premier Ford believe Ontario must defend its energy supply?

Premier Ford believes that Ontario must defend its energy supply because a disruption to energy exports would negatively affect the livelihoods of Ontarians and Canadians, and he views this as a crucial issue in the broader economic relationship between Canada and the US.

What implications do the proposed tariffs have on the relationship between Ontario and the US?

The proposed tariffs by the US are creating tension between Ontario and the US, with Premier Ford taking a defensive stance and threatening energy cuts. This conflict highlights the importance of energy exports to Ontario’s economy and the potential strain on cross-border relations.