TORONTO — The leader of Ontario, Canada’s most populous province, announced on Monday that he is canceling an agreement with Elon Musk’s Starlink internet services due to the significant tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump on Canada.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford disclosed that he will also prohibit American companies from securing contracts within the province. Last November, Ford had inked a deal worth $100 million Canadian dollars (equivalent to approximately US$68 million) with Musk’s company to provide high-speed internet access to remote residents living in rural and northern Ontario.
“We have decided to terminate the contract between the province and Starlink. Ontario is not willing to engage in business with entities that are determined to harm our economy,” stated Ford in a message posted on X.
Ford said U.S.-based businesses will lose out on “tens of billions of dollars” in new revenues as a result of Ontario’s response. “They only have President Trump to blame,” he said.
Ontario and other provinces already planned to remove American liquor brands from government store shelves. The Liquor Control Board of Ontario sells nearly $1 billion worth of American wine, beer, spirits and seltzers every year, Ford pointed.
“Canada didn’t start this fight with the U.S., but you better believe we’re ready to win it,” said Ford, who called an election for his province last week.
Canada and Mexico ordered retaliatory tariffs on American goods in response to sweeping tariffs imposed by Trump.
Trump responded Sunday, criticizing Canada’s trade surplus with the United States and contending that without that surplus, “Canada ceases to exist as a viable Country. Harsh but true! Therefore, Canada should become our Cherished 51st State. Much lower taxes, and far better military protection for the people of Canada – AND NO TARIFFS!”
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