Ontario’s Planned Retaliatory Measures in Response to Tariffs
Ontario Announces Retaliatory Measures Against U.S. Tariffs
Ontario Premier Doug Ford has unveiled a series of retaliatory measures in response to new U.S. tariffs, including removing American alcohol from LCBO shelves, terminating a contract with Elon Musk’s Starlink, and potentially imposing surcharges on electricity and critical minerals exported to the U.S.
The tariffs, imposed earlier today by U.S. President Donald Trump, target all Canadian exports. Ford framed Ontario’s response as a defense of the province’s economy, warning that American businesses and workers will feel the impact.
“This is an enormous hit to American producers,” Ford told reporters. “We need to be ready for a long fight… I will fight like I never fought before.”
Key Retaliatory Actions
Ban on U.S. Alcohol at LCBO
Effective immediately, the LCBO—one of the world’s largest alcohol buyers—will remove all U.S. products from its shelves and catalogues. This move means bars, restaurants, and retailers across Ontario will no longer be able to restock American brands.
“Every year, the LCBO sells nearly $1 billion worth of U.S. alcohol,” Ford said. “Starting today, every single one of those products is off the shelves.”
Procurement Ban on U.S. Companies
Ontario will also bar American businesses from bidding on government contracts, cutting them off from approximately $30 billion in procurement spending.
“U.S.-based businesses will now lose out on tens of billions of dollars in revenue,” Ford said, urging Ontario’s 444 municipalities to implement similar bans.
Termination of Starlink Contract
As part of this procurement crackdown, Ontario is canceling its $100 million contract with Starlink, the satellite internet service operated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX.
“It’s done. It’s gone,” Ford declared. “We won’t award contracts to those enabling economic attacks on our province and country.”
He also ordered a review of Ontario’s contracts with U.S. firms to identify further cancellations.
Potential Tariffs on Critical Minerals & Electricity
Ford warned that Ontario is ready to escalate its response if the U.S. does not reverse course. Measures could include a 25% tariff on electricity exports and surcharges or restrictions on critical minerals supplied to the U.S.
“If a second round of tariffs takes effect in April, we will respond accordingly,” Ford said, urging other provinces to adopt similar countermeasures.
‘We Will Spare No Expense’
Ford positioned these actions as a defense of Ontario jobs and economic security, pledging support for businesses adapting to new markets.
“We will spare no expense to protect Ontario workers,” he said. “We’ll retool companies for new customers and new markets.”
