Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced Monday that the province will temporarily halt its planned retaliatory measures against the United States following a last-minute postponement of proposed tariffs by U.S. President Donald Trump, marking a significant de-escalation in a rapidly escalating trade conflict.
In a statement on X, Ford described the development as “good news,” highlighting that the tariff postponement provides an opportunity for further negotiations and “time for cooler heads to prevail.”
The province had been prepared to implement significant countermeasures, including removing U.S. alcohol from LCBO shelves and canceling a $100-million Starlink internet contract for Northern Ontario.
Trudeau Secures Tariff Delay with Border Security Commitments
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau negotiated a 30-day tariff postponement, contingent on joint measures addressing fentanyl and border security. Trudeau outlined an extensive set of commitments, which include appointing a “Fentanyl Czar,” listing cartels as terrorists, establishing 24/7 border monitoring, and launching a Canada-U.S.
Joint Strike Force to combat organized crime. The federal government will back these initiatives with $200 million, signaling a comprehensive approach to addressing cross-border challenges.
Trump had initially signed an executive order imposing a 25% tariff on all Canadian goods and a 10% tariff on Canadian energy exports, set to take effect Tuesday. Canada had planned retaliatory tariffs on $155 billion worth of American-made goods, which would have significantly disrupted trade relations between the two countries.
Ford, who previously expressed optimism about Trump’s potential return to the White House, dramatically shifted his tone, calling the Trump administration “a disaster.” He stated emphatically, “I’d never support that guy in my entire life. He goes up and just stabs you right in the heart. Forget that.”
The Starlink deal with Elon Musk, which was initially on the chopping block, will continue for now. The agreement aims to provide internet access to 15,000 people in rural Ontario communities. Musk responded to the initial cancellation with a dismissive “”Oh well”” on X, showcasing his characteristic nonchalance.
Provincial political leaders offered varied responses to the unfolding situation. Ontario Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie praised Ford for canceling the Starlink contract, which she had previously called a “”sweetheart deal.”” Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner criticized the initial sole-source agreement, while NDP Leader Marit Stiles emphasized the need to make Ontario “tariff-proof” and protect jobs.
Ford Warns of Tariff Reimplementation, Stresses Readiness Amid Trade Tensions
Ford warned that while current measures are paused, they could be quickly reimplemented if tariffs move forward. “If President Trump proceeds with tariffs, we won’t hesitate to remove American products off LCBO shelves or ban American companies from provincial procurement,” he stated, maintaining a stance of readiness and defiance.
The trade tensions occur against the backdrop of an upcoming provincial election on February 27, which Ford argues is necessary to secure a mandate for navigating potential challenges with the Trump administration. The premier remains cautious, noting that the threat of tariffs continues to loom. “Whether it’s tomorrow, in a month or a year from now… President Trump will continue to use the threat of tariffs to get what he wants,” Ford wrote.
Internationally, similar tariff postponements were negotiated with Mexico, with President Claudia Sheinbaum agreeing to deploy 10,000 soldiers permanently to the border to address drug trafficking and illegal migration.
Ford emphasized that the “real trade war we’re fighting” is with China and stressed that the U.S. and Canada can only prevail by collaborating rather than confronting each other. As negotiations continue, the 30-day pause offers a critical window for diplomatic resolution and economic stability.
