Ontario Premier Doug Ford on Monday morning announced he is following through on the imposition of a 25% surcharge on electricity going to New York, Michigan and Minnesota.
Ford says the surcharge will affect 1.5 million homes and businesses and add $300,000 to $400,000 each day “to the bills of hard-working Americans.”
The premier speaking at a press conference promised the funds raised will be put toward Ontario businesses and workers.
While simultaneously claiming he “wants to send more energy to the US,” Ford pointed the finger at President Donald Trump as bearing the sole “responsibility” of his tariff policy.
The province is ready to increase this surcharge if the US retaliates.
“I will not hesitate to increase this charge. I will not hesitate to cut off people’s electricity completely,” said Ford.
He said it wasn't the fault of the American people, “it’s one person who is responsible.”
“That is Donald Trump,” he said.
“I will do whatever it takes to maximize the pain against the Americans.”
“It’s not really them [the Americans]. It’s President Trump.”
Ford added: "We need a war-time effort," as he proposed more expansive tariffs.