Premier Doug Ford is touting a stronger energy partnership between Canada and the United States as part of a broader effort to head off the threat of tariffs from President-elect Donald Trump.
Speaking at the Darlington Nuclear Power Plant on Wednesday, Mr. Ford outlined his vision for a “new strategic partnership” that he said would result in increased Canadian energy exports south of the border and a more integrated power grid.
Ford said the proposed partnership would help North America gain energy security as the United States “disconnects from China and its global distributors.”
The state said in a news release that the plan includes expedited approval of new large nuclear power plants and small modular reactors. The task force, made up of Canadian and U.S. lawmakers and industry experts, will also consider ways to cut red tape to speed up the construction of cross-border energy infrastructure such as power lines and pipelines.
President Trump has said he intends to impose a 25% tariff on all Canadian goods after he is re-elected later this month, a move that poses an existential threat to several key industries in Ontario, economists say. are warning.
President Trump has also repeatedly thought about trying to make Canada the “51st state,” and as recently as Tuesday said he was willing to use his “economic might” to absorb Canada into the United States. . The rhetoric drew widespread condemnation from Canada’s political leaders. Levels including Ford.
As president of the Federal Council, Ford is at the forefront of ongoing efforts to prevent President Trump’s tariff threats from becoming a reality.
In December, he said he would consider cutting off Ontario’s energy supplies to several U.S. states, including New York, Michigan and parts of Wisconsin, in retaliation for the tariffs. He also compiled a list of retaliatory measures Canada could take to deter the next government from imposing harsh tariffs on the federal government, which is currently in turmoil after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his intention to resign this week. I encouraged them to do so.
Mr. Ford regularly appears on U.S. cable news shows during prime time, highlighting Canada and the United States’ long-standing economic and cultural relationship. Meanwhile, the Ford government is spending tens of millions of dollars on a U.S. advertising campaign touting these historic relationships.
Ford and the leaders of Canada’s other provinces and territories are scheduled to meet virtually with Prime Minister Trudeau later Wednesday to discuss a national response to President Trump’s threats.
