Trudeau, Ford Hit Back at Trump’s Tariffs, Cancel $70M Starlink Deal
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced that U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Canadian imports will be postponed by at least 30 days, following an agreement between the two leaders to strengthen border security.
Trudeau, in a post on X, revealed that Canada would deploy 10,000 police officers to reinforce border security, designate drug cartels as terrorist organizations, appoint a “Fentanyl Czar”, and intensify money-laundering crackdowns.
Meanwhile, the province of Ontario has retaliated against Trump’s proposed tariffs by banning contracts with U.S. companies, including the cancellation of a $70 million deal with Elon Musk’s Starlink.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford, one of the strongest voices against Trump’s move, said the decision would cost U.S. businesses billions in lost revenue.
“Starting today, and until U.S. tariffs are lifted, Ontario is banning American companies from provincial contracts,” Ford posted on X.
He added that Ontario spends approximately $30 billion annually on procurement and has a $200 billion infrastructure plan, meaning U.S. businesses will now be locked out of these opportunities.
Ford further justified the decision by scrapping a Starlink contract signed last November, which would have provided high-speed internet to 15,000 remote homes and businesses.
“Ontario won’t do business with people hellbent on destroying our economy,” he declared.
The tension escalated after Trump announced a 25% tariff on nearly all Canadian imports—except for oil, which will face a 10% surcharge, starting Tuesday.
In response, Canada has imposed its own 25% tariffs on $155 billion worth of U.S. goods, targeting items like beer, wine, bourbon, fruits, vegetables, perfume, clothing, and shoes.
“Canada didn’t start this fight with the U.S., but you better believe we’re ready to win it,” Ford warned.
The standoff signals a growing trade war between the two neighboring countries, with economic consequences on both sides.
