Doug Ford flip-flops on pledge to cut off power to the U.S.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has backed off his repeated threat to cut off power to the U.S. in response to Trump's economic aggression, and has instead announced a 25 per cent tariff on electricity exports to the States.

Ford spent Tuesday morning making rounds on U.S. media outlets following President Donald Trump's imposition of tariffs on Canadian exports, effective last night.

Doug Ford had repeatedly threatened to cut off the power Ontario supplies to roughly 1.5 million households in New York, Michigan and Minnesota if Trump followed through on tariffs, warning that "if they want to try to annihilate Ontario, I will do anything, including cutting off their energy — with a smile on my face."

However, it seems the premier has softened his stance.

In an interview with the Wall Street Journal today, Ford announced that he will impose a 25 per cent tariff on electricity exports, and only proceed with his previous plan to cut off power entirely if the U.S. goes forward with additional tariffs, which are expected on April 2.

Ford told the outlet that if further tariffs are imposed, he will direct Ontario's minister of energy to redirect all power from the province's nuclear reactor to power local manufacturers.