The Blubber

Speaking at a mining conference in Toronto just days after securing a third majority government, Premier Doug Ford reaffirmed his commitment to previously announced retaliatory measures if U.S. tariffs take effect, while also exploring ways to bolster domestic procurement.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced Tuesday as the date he would impose a 25 percent tariff on Canadian goods, along with a 10 percent levy on energy, though he has already shifted the deadline multiple times.

The looming tariffs—and Trump’s remarks about annexing Canada—have sparked a surge of patriotism. Ford said he appreciates seeing Canadians check labels in stores to ensure products are made domestically before purchasing.

“I’m asking politely before I make it mandatory—every retail store, when you look at the shelf, we need to see a Canadian flag on that price,” Ford said Monday.

“So please, please work with us, or we’ll legislate it. And start onshoring goods—you’re bringing products in from around the world, but there’s nothing we can’t build here in Ontario, absolutely nothing.”

Beyond prioritizing Ontario products in the province’s $30 billion annual procurement, Ford pointed out that municipalities also have independent purchasing power.

“I know all 444 municipalities are on board, but we’re going to make sure we legislate it—that you’re buying Ontario first, Canada second,” he said.

“I get it, some products just aren’t available. But I’ll tell you one thing—when we start shifting things, the Americans are going to feel the pain.”

Later in the day, speaking on NBC’s Meet the Press, Ford announced plans to stockpile nickel.

“We’ll respond strongly, though we don’t want to,” he said. “On critical minerals, I will halt shipments of nickel to the U.S. It will shut down manufacturing.”

Earlier Monday, Ford reiterated his readiness to implement countermeasures, including removing American alcohol from Liquor Control Board of Ontario shelves and scrapping a $100-million deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX for Starlink internet in remote areas.

Energy Minister Stephen Lecce also confirmed that Ontario is considering imposing a surcharge on every megawatt of electricity sold to the U.S., though no specific figure was provided.

Ford again warned of cutting off electricity exports to several U.S. states.

“We’re going to use every tool in our toolbox,” he said.