Ontario Conservative Premier Doug Ford said Canada is prepared to make electricity unaffordable for Americans by cutting off energy supplies to the US in response to Trump’s tariffs

Ford is calling for an expansion of Ontario’s power grid to facilitate increased energy exports to the United States.

The premier is promoting Ontario’s nuclear energy expertise, aiming to build both large and small modular nuclear reactors in partnership with the U.S.

“This won’t be easy and it won’t happen overnight, but we owe it to workers in Ontario, across Canada, and the U.S. to act now,” Ford said.

“Many of these initiatives will require the federal government to step up and ensure that energy, trade, and security policies benefit Canadians and Americans alike.”

Meanwhile, Trump has threatened to impose a 25% tariff on Canadian goods starting Jan. 20, his first day back in office, unless Canada tightens border security with a focus on fentanyl trafficking and illegal crossings.

On Tuesday, Trump declared that the U.S. “does not need anything from Canada” and suggested the use of “economic force” to annex the country and make it the 51st state.

Ford firmly rejected the idea, stating, “This country will never be for sale.” He has been appearing on U.S. news channels, emphasizing the mutual benefits of Canadian-American cooperation.

The country’s premiers are set to meet virtually later Wednesday to address Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s resignation, Parliament’s prorogation, Trump’s tariff threat, and a planned premiers’ trip to Washington, D.C., in February.

“Moving forward, there’s a lack of leadership at the federal level right now. Someone has to stand up for Ontario, someone has to stand up for Canada. I want to commend all the premiers—they’re doing exactly what I’m doing in their regions,” Ford said.

He dismissed Trump’s talk of annexing Canada as nonsensical.

“Let’s stop wasting time on these ridiculous ideas about merging and instead focus our efforts on restoring pride in ‘Made in Canada’ and ‘Made in the U.S.A.,’” Ford stated.

Ford has previously hinted at the possibility of cutting off energy exports if necessary.