Ontario residents are reacting to a slew of bans on American goods and services in the wake of Trump’s looming tariffs on Canadian imports.
President Trump announced the 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian imports and 10 per cent tariffs on Canadian energy would come into effect on Tuesday.
Trump said he’s imposing tariffs due to a threat of “illegal aliens and deadly drugs killing our citizens,” in a post on Truth Social on Saturday.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau responded Saturday night saying the nation will be imposing retaliatory 25 per cent tariffs against $155 billion worth of American goods, starting on Tuesday as well.
“This will include immediate tariffs on $30 billion worth of goods as of Tuesday, followed by further tariffs on $125 billion worth of American products in 21 days time to allow Canadian companies and supply chains to seek to find alternatives,” Trudeau said in a press conference.
We will always stand up for Canada. pic.twitter.com/Eg9vkh4bS0
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) February 2, 2025
In response to Trump’s tariff threats Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced on Monday that the province has scrapped its $100 million deal with Elon Musk’s Starlink, a satellite service provider that was supposed to supply remote areas of Ontario with internet.
“Ontario won’t do business with people hellbent on destroying our economy,” Ford wrote on X on Monday morning.
People online had been calling on Ford to end the Starlink contract before it was formally terminated.
“Cancel the Starlink contract. That is how to fight back. Ontario does not want Starlink. We don’t need Starlink. Doug, for once in your life, do what is right,” one X user wrote on Sunday.
The internet deal was formally signed in November, but Ford says his government is banning American companies from provincial projects until the tariffs are lifted.
“Every year, the Ontario government and its agencies spend $30 billion on procurement, alongside our $200 billion plan to build Ontario. U.S.-based businesses will now lose out on tens of billions of dollars in new revenues. They only have President Trump to blame,” he added.
Ford’s Starlink u-turn came a day after he ordered all American liquor to be removed from the LCBO, restaurants and bars by Tuesday.
“We’re removing American products from LCBO shelves. As the only wholesaler of alcohol in the province, LCBO will also remove American products from its catalogue so other Ontario-based restaurants and retailers can’t order or restock U.S. products,” he wrote on X on Sunday.
Some Canadians have spoken out in favour of the liquor ban.
“Why stop there….stop exporting electricity to them. See how quick the North East and Rust Belt beg Trump to reverse course,” one person responded.
‘Absolutely amazing. Let the Americans feel Canadians’ wrath!!!,’ one X user wrote.
Meanwhile, some expressed concerns over the move.
“How many people will be laid off at LCBO?,” one person wrote.
“This guy is stuck on alcohol, anything happens in the world he runs to LCBO,” another person said.
“Cutting U.S. alcohol is symbolic, but does this strategy actually help Ontario? Consumers will still need alternatives, and this could just drive up costs. What’s the long game here?,” someone else wrote.
During an interview with Fox News on Monday morning, Ford said “we need to work together and be two strong nations, not separated…we’re your allies, we’re your friends, he concluded.”
President Trump is set to speak with Prime Minister Trudeau for negotiations today.
