Canadian Premier cancels $100,000,000 contract with Elon Musk in retaliation for Trump tariffs
Those that ‘promote economic attacks’ on Canada will be subject to the cancellation of contracts, as Doug Ford has threatened.
Canadian Premier Cancels $100 Million Contract with Elon Musk’s Starlink in Retaliation to U.S. Tariffs
In a bold move amid escalating trade tensions, Doug Ford, the Premier of Ontario, has canceled a $100 million contract with Elon Musk’s Starlink in response to the recent tariffs imposed by the United States.
As reported by CBC, Ford’s government decided to sever ties with Musk’s satellite internet company as part of a retaliatory action against the U.S. tariffs, which have sparked a trade dispute between Canada and the U.S.
This decision marks a significant development in the ongoing trade conflict in North America, with both sides now engaging in economic maneuvers to assert their positions.
Doug Ford Hits Back at U.S. with Tough Retaliatory Measures Amid Trump’s Tariffs
In a dramatic response to President Trump’s newly imposed ‘catastrophic’ tariffs, Ontario Premier Doug Ford has escalated the trade dispute by announcing a complete ban on any U.S.-based corporations from participating in future provincial procurement. Ford’s statement came after he sharply criticized Trump for “choosing chaos” over mutual prosperity between the nations.
At the same time, Ford issued a stark warning that he would cut power to 1.5 million people in the U.S., as tensions mount between the neighboring countries. While the drastic measures were briefly put on hold for 30 days, Ford’s commitment to stand firm against the tariffs remains unchanged.
This week, President Trump approved new tariffs — 25 percent on Canadian exports and 10 percent on Canadian energy — marking a significant step in the ongoing trade conflict. Trump’s rationale behind the tariffs centers on holding China, Mexico, and Canada accountable for their promises to curb the flow of harmful drugs, such as fentanyl, into the U.S.
Ford’s Bold Retaliation: Cancels Musk’s $100M Contract as Tensions Escalate with Trump
In a move that intensifies the trade dispute with the United States, Ontario Premier Doug Ford has canceled a $100 million contract with Elon Musk’s Starlink in retaliation for President Trump’s aggressive tariff impositions. The contract, which would have brought high-speed internet to 15,000 rural and remote locations across Ontario, is now terminated, with Ford making it clear that Ontario will not work with companies supporting economic attacks on the province.
This drastic step comes after Trump escalated tensions by suggesting that the only way Canada could avoid the tariffs was by becoming the “cherished” 51st state of the U.S. Musk, a tech billionaire, also heads the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) task force, which is tasked with reducing U.S. government costs. Musk’s company, Starlink, a subsidiary of SpaceX, had secured the contract to provide internet access by summer of 2025, aimed at bridging the connectivity gap in Ontario.
In a blunt response to a reporter’s question on March 4, Ford declared: “It’s done, it’s gone.” He continued, “We won’t award contracts to those who enable and encourage economic attacks on our province and our country.”
This move follows a broader pattern of retaliation, as the largest liquor wholesaler and retailer in Ontario recently confirmed it would no longer acquire or sell alcohol from the U.S., marking another significant shift in the region’s economic relations with its southern neighbor.
Ford Threatens Major Escalation in Response to U.S. Tariffs: “Prepare for a Hard-Fought Battle”
Ontario Premier Doug Ford has escalated tensions in the ongoing trade war with the United States, issuing strong warnings to lawmakers in key U.S. states and signaling the potential for serious economic disruptions. Not only did Ford reiterate his threat to cut off power to the U.S., but he also warned New York, Michigan, and Minnesota lawmakers that if the trade dispute continues, Ontario could increase a 25% premium on electricity flowing through the border, or even completely cut off the flow of electricity.
Adding further weight to his message, Ford pointed out that Ontario has the authority to impose additional taxes or halt the export of minerals to the U.S., signaling that the province is prepared to use any economic tool at its disposal.
“This is not the outcome anyone wanted,” Ford lamented, stressing the untapped potential for a more prosperous and secure relationship between the U.S. and Canada. “We could have worked together to make the U.S. and Canada the wealthiest, most successful, safest, and most secure countries on the planet. But unfortunately, one individual, President Trump, has opted for chaos instead.”
Ford also expressed deep concern over the import tariffs, fearing that they could lead to a catastrophic impact on critical businesses in Ontario, such as those in the steel and automobile industries, while inflation and retail prices would likely rise in the wake of such measures.
“We need to be prepared for a hard-fought battle,” Ford said, signaling his readiness to escalate the situation. “We must be ready to dig in and use every tool in our toolkit.”
Ford’s Bold Stance Following Third Consecutive Victory: “I Will Do Anything, Including Cutting Off Their Energy”
Following his third consecutive election victory, Ontario Premier Doug Ford has continued to escalate his rhetoric in the ongoing trade conflict with the United States. In a statement that made waves, Ford remarked, “If they want to try to annihilate Ontario, I will do anything, including cutting off their energy — with a smile on my face.” His comments were seen as a defiant response to the pressure coming from President Trump’s administration amid the escalating tensions.
Ford’s victory, which marks his third consecutive majority win, has fueled his assertive stance against the U.S. trade war. Ford emphasized that if the U.S. seeks to attack Ontario economically, the province is more than ready to retaliate. “We have to go back with twice the amount of effort,” he warned, suggesting that Ontario would not back down easily in the face of mounting pressure.
With his renewed mandate and clear commitment to defend Ontario’s interests, Ford has signaled that he will fight for the province, leveraging its economic strength to counter any attempts to undermine its prosperity. His remarks reflect a growing sense of resolve to protect Ontario’s economic future, no matter the cost.
