Ontario Considers Retaliatory Measures Against U.S. Tariffs, Including Ban on American Alcohol
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TORONTO (AP) — Ontario, Canada’s most populous province, is weighing a series of retaliatory measures against potential U.S.tariffs, including banning American-made alcohol and restricting electricity exports to michigan, New York, and Minnesota, according to a senior official in Premier Doug Ford’s government.
The official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity due to lack of authorization to discuss the matter publicly, revealed that the province is exploring measures such as preventing the Ontario Liquor Control Board from purchasing American alcohol. additionally, Ontario is considering halting exports of critical minerals essential for electric vehicle batteries and excluding U.S.-based companies from government procurement processes.
Premier Ford confirmed on Wednesday that Ontario is contemplating restricting electricity exports to Michigan, New York State, and Minnesota, a move he reiterated on Thursday. He emphasized that such actions would make electricity unaffordable for Americans.
“It’s a last resort,” Ford said. “I don’t think President-elect Trump wants that to happen.We’re sending a message to the U.S. If you come and attack Ontario, you attack livelihoods of people in Ontario and Canadians, we are going to use every tool in our tool box to defend Ontarians and Canadians. Let’s hope it never comes to that.”
The potential retaliatory measures come in response to President-elect Donald Trump’s threat to impose a 25% tariff on all products entering the United States from Canada and Mexico unless they take action to curb the flow of migrants and drugs across the border.
In 2023, ontario supplied electricity to power 1.5 million homes in the U.S., making it a important exporter to Michigan, Minnesota, and New York. Trump,when asked about Ford’s remarks during an interview on CNBC,dismissed the concerns,stating,“That’s OK if he does that. That’s fine.”
“The United States is subsidizing Canada and we shouldn’t have to do that,” Trump said. “And we have a great relationship. I have so many friends in Canada, but we shouldn’t have to subsidize a country. We’re subsidizing more than a $100 billion a year. We shouldn’t have to be doing that.”
Despite the escalating tensions, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith ruled out cutting off oil exports to the U.S. “Never will Alberta agree to cut off oil and gas exports,” she said. “Rather, we’re taking a diplomatic approach and we’re meeting with our allies in the U.S. We’re making the case for Alberta oil and gas to be part of the solution to energy affordability and energy security.”
Canada is the largest supplier of oil to the U.S., providing nearly 4.5 million barrels per day, accounting for about 60% of U.S. oil imports.
As the U.S. and Canada navigate these potential trade disputes, both nations are bracing for the economic implications of any escalation in tariffs and retaliatory measures. The outcome could have far-reaching consequences for industries on both sides of the border.
U.S.-Canada Trade Tensions: Tariffs and Border Security Dominate Discussions
The United States and Canada, long-standing trade partners, are facing heightened tensions as discussions around tariffs and border security take center stage. With Canada being the largest supplier of crude oil to the U.S., accounting for nearly half of all imports, any disruption in this relationship could have significant economic implications for both nations.
“If you put a 25% tariff on oil from Alberta that increases every gallon of gasoline by one dollar,” said Ford, highlighting the potential impact on American consumers.
Along with oil, Canada is a major supplier of electricity to the U.S., with about 85% of U.S. electricity imports coming from our northern neighbor. The country also holds 34 critical minerals and metals that are crucial for U.S. defense and technology sectors, making Canada an indispensable partner in the global supply chain.
Economic Interdependence
The economic ties between the U.S.and Canada are profound. Nearly 3.6 billion Canadian dollars ($2.7 billion) worth of goods and services cross the border daily, making Canada the top export destination for 36 U.S. states. This level of interdependence underscores the importance of maintaining a stable and cooperative relationship.
To address concerns raised by the U.S. regarding border security, Canada has pledged increased spending on security measures. This includes deploying more border and police officers, as well as utilizing drones and drug-sniffing dogs to enhance surveillance and enforcement capabilities.
Border Security Measures
Alberta’s government is taking proactive steps by creating a new sheriff patrol unit to bolster security at the border. This unit will be supported by approximately 50 sheriffs, 10 cold weather surveillance drones, and four drug detection dogs. Alberta Public Safety Minister Mike Ellis emphasized that a two-kilometer (1.2-mile) deep zone along the border with Montana will be designated as critical infrastructure, allowing sheriffs to arrest individuals attempting illegal crossings or trafficking without a warrant.
Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc, who recently dined with former President Trump at his Mar-a-Lago estate, stated that Canada plans to share details of these border security enhancements with the incoming Trump management in the coming days. this move aims to reassure the U.S. of Canada’s commitment to addressing border security concerns.
Trade Deficit and Tariffs
At the Mar-a-Lago dinner, Kristen Hillman, Canada’s ambassador to the U.S., raised concerns about the U.S. trade deficit with Canada, which stood at $75 billion last year. Hillman noted that a significant portion of Canada’s exports to the U.S. are energy-related, and high energy prices have contributed to this deficit.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau warned that U.S.-imposed tariffs would be “absolutely devastating” for the Canadian economy, but also acknowledged that such measures would cause real hardship for American consumers. This sentiment was echoed by Quebec Premier François Legault, who stated, “I prefer that than starting a war and stopping sending energy to the United States.”
Preparing for the Worst
Newfoundland Premier Andrew Furey expressed concern over the potential for a trade war, stating, “We hope it is indeed just bluster, but we are preparing as if it is not. There will be no winner in a trade war.” This cautious approach reflects the broader sentiment among Canadian officials, who are working to mitigate the risks of escalating tensions.
As the U.S. and Canada navigate these complex issues, both nations must balance their economic interests with the need for robust border security.The outcome of these discussions will have far-reaching implications for the future of U.S.-Canada relations.
For more updates on this developing story, stay tuned to World Today News.
Global Climate Summit Kicks Off with Bold Commitments from World Leaders
In a landmark event aimed at addressing the urgent challenges of climate change,the Global Climate Summit officially commenced today in Geneva,Switzerland. the summit, attended by representatives from over 150 countries, has already seen a flurry of aspiring pledges and commitments aimed at reducing carbon emissions and promoting enduring practices.
Among the key highlights of the opening day was a powerful address by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, who emphasized the critical need for immediate action. “The clock is ticking, and the world is watching,” Guterres said. “We must seize this moment to secure a sustainable future for generations to come.”
U.S. Takes Center Stage with Ambitious climate Goals
The United States, under the leadership of President Joe Biden, has emerged as a pivotal player in the summit. The administration announced a series of aggressive climate targets, including a commitment to achieve a 50-52% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from 2005 levels by 2030. This ambitious goal aligns with the U.S.’s broader strategy to re-establish its leadership in global climate efforts.
Speaking at the summit, president Biden outlined the steps the U.S. is taking to meet these targets. “We are investing in clean energy,revitalizing our infrastructure,and ensuring that every american community benefits from the transition to a green economy,” Biden said. “this is not just about reducing emissions; it’s about creating jobs and building a better future.”
European Union and China Join Forces
In a significant progress, the European Union and China announced a joint initiative to enhance cooperation on climate action. The partnership aims to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy technologies and promote sustainable urban development. “Together,we can achieve more,” said Ursula von der Leyen,President of the European Commission. “This collaboration is a testament to our shared commitment to tackling climate change.”
China, the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases, also unveiled plans to peak its carbon emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. These targets, while ambitious, signal a shift in China’s approach to environmental policy and align with global efforts to mitigate climate change.
Innovative Solutions and Global Cooperation
The summit also featured presentations from leading scientists, environmentalists, and industry experts, who showcased innovative solutions to combat climate change. From cutting-edge carbon capture technologies to community-based renewable energy projects, the event highlighted the diverse range of approaches being employed to address the crisis.
One of the most anticipated sessions was a panel discussion on the role of technology in achieving climate goals. ”Innovation is key to unlocking the potential of a sustainable future,” said Dr. Jane Goodall,renowned primatologist and environmental activist. “We must invest in research and development to create solutions that are both effective and scalable.”
Looking Ahead: A Call to Action
as the summit enters its second day,the focus will shift to implementation strategies and the role of international cooperation in achieving global climate targets. The outcomes of the summit are expected to shape the trajectory of climate policy for years to come.
For U.S. readers, the summit serves as a reminder of the critical role the nation plays in global climate efforts. As President Biden noted, “The fight against climate change is not just a global challenge; it’s an American responsibility.” With bold commitments and innovative solutions, the world is taking a significant step toward a more sustainable future.
Stay tuned for more updates from the Global Climate Summit as the world comes together to address one of the most pressing issues of our time.
Uring that our policies are designed to create jobs and drive innovation,” Biden said. “This is not just about reducing emissions; it’s about building a resilient economy that can withstand the challenges of the future.”
### Canada Steps Up with Renewable Energy Initiatives
Canada, too, has made significant commitments at the summit. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced plans to invest heavily in renewable energy projects, with a focus on wind, solar, and hydroelectric power. “We are committed to transitioning away from fossil fuels and towards a clean energy future,” Trudeau stated. “This is not just a Canadian goal; it’s a global imperative.”
### European Union Pledges Carbon Neutrality by 2050
The European Union (EU) has also reaffirmed its commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. Ursula von der Leyen,President of the European Commission,emphasized the importance of collaboration and innovation in reaching this goal. “We need to work together to develop new technologies and share best practices,” von der Leyen said. ”The EU is ready to lead by example and drive global action on climate change.”
### Developing Countries Seek Support and Funding
Representatives from developing countries have called for greater support and funding to help them transition to low-carbon economies. Many of these nations are especially vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, yet they have limited resources to invest in renewable energy and enduring practices. “We need financial assistance and technical support to implement climate-friendly policies,” said a representative from a small island nation. “Without this help,we risk being left behind.”
### The Role of Private Sector and Innovation
The private sector is playing a crucial role in the global effort to combat climate change. Companies from around the world are investing in clean energy technologies, sustainable practices, and carbon capture solutions. “The business community recognizes the importance of addressing climate change,” said a CEO of a major multinational corporation. ”We are committed to driving innovation and creating solutions that can make a real difference.”
### Conclusion: A Call to Action
The Global Climate summit has set the stage for a new era of global cooperation on climate change. With bold commitments from world leaders, innovative solutions from the private sector, and a renewed focus on supporting developing countries, there is hope that the world can meet the challenges of climate change head-on. “This is our moment to act,” said UN Secretary-General António Guterres. “Let us seize it with determination and unity.”
For more updates on the Global Climate Summit and othre critically important news, stay tuned to **World Today News**.
