'They believe in diplomacy, good luck': Doug Ford doubles down on energy threat as some premiers distance themselves

Doug Ford is standing behind his threat to stop providing the U.S. with electricity in response to president-elect Donald Trump’s promised tariffs, even as several other premiers publicly distance themselves from the stance.

Ford has said that Ontario is prepared to cut off electricity that is currently powering 1.5 million homes in New York, Michigan and Minnesota but only as a “last resort.”

However, since first floating the idea on Wednesday several other premiers have come out and said that they will not be following suit, including Danielle Smith in Alberta, François Legault in Quebec and Andrew Furey in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Asked about the apparent split at an unrelated news conference on Friday, Ford said that he “doesn’t speak for the rest of the country.”

Ford, however, doubled down on the energy threat as it pertains to Ontario.

“If it comes to Alberta or Quebec that is their choice. If they believe in diplomacy, good luck,” he said. “Alberta has a surplus of what $130 billion and oil and gas, God bless them. But I am talking about the electricity that powers 1.5 million homes and keeps companies and business open.... I have been very clear on that.”

Ford has said that Ontario is prepared to use “every tool in its toolbox” when it comes to responding to Trump’s threatened 25 per cent tariff on Canadian goods.

But some other premiers have ruled out retaliatory measures that would rise to the level of what Ford is suggesting.

On Thursday, Alberta Premier Daniel Smith told reporters that “under no circumstances” would her province “agree to cut off oil and gas exports” to the U.S.

Legault has also ruled out cutting off the energy supply to the U.S., telling reporters this week that doing so amounts to “starting a war.”

On Friday, Ford said that while the premiers do agree on a number of things, including the need to increase Canada’s defence spending and tighten up its borders in response to the tariffs threats, there are some differences.

Ford then went on to say that his first choice remains a deal that will help avert any tariffs or retaliatory measures.

“Every Congress person I speak to, every Governor or Senator, I am not hearing the same thing as what I am hearing from the president (elect),” he said. “I am hearing let’s get moving, let’s get a deal and get this done. And we will get this done. There may be a few bumps in the road but we will get through it.”