A plan concocted by the Trudeau government to tackle Donald Trump’s tariff threats was presented to the provinces on Wednesday afternoon. But it was a measure mentioned by Doug Ford that caught the attention: cutting off energy to the Americans.
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This provisional plan, of which the newspaper obtained a copy, includes a stricter legal framework regarding fentanyl, better coordination between the different police forces, investments in surveillance equipment (drones) and some legislative changes to tighten the screws on temporary immigrants. .
At the end of the meeting, Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland declared how some of the prime ministers want a “strong” response, as it is a “serious challenge for Canada”.
Mme Freeland also mentioned that some provincial premiers have expressed willingness to withhold critical metals and minerals that Americans need, such as nickel, cobalt and copper.
Justin Trudeau also thanked François Legault for raising the issue of tariffs with Donald Trump during their brief exchange in Paris last Saturday.
And energy?
Ontario Premier Doug Ford said the plan put forward is “a very good start,” although it still needs fine-tuning.
At a press conference a few moments before the federal ministers, Mr. Ford indicated that the country could go so far as to sanction the Americans by cutting off their energy supplies.
“We will go all the way depending on the magnitude of the situation. We will go as far as cutting off their energy, as far as Michigan, as far as New York State and as far as Wisconsin,” he said.
According to the Association of Oil and Gas Producers, 98% of petroleum products produced here are sold in the United States. Canada is also a major exporter of electricity, including Quebec hydroelectricity.
Mme Freeland would not confirm whether energy supplies were on the list of products that could be used in the event of retaliation. “Obviously, other ideas were discussed as well,” she said.
A comment that didn’t help
In response to journalists, Doug Ford also described as “unhelpful” Justin Trudeau’s comments made at a forum organized by a feminist organization in Ottawa on Tuesday evening.
Mr. Trudeau lamented that “the Americans have decided for the second time not to elect a first woman president,” and that this went against the sense of progress.
“It’s such an unbearable thicket. He will not stay in power for long,” Elon Musk commented on the Prime Minister.
According to Mr. Ford, some prime ministers have expressed their frustrations to Mr. Trudeau, meaning that this could harm relations with the future American administration.
“I’m sure the prime minister heard the message very clearly,” he said.
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