Doug Ford Targets US Alcohol in Response to Trump’s Tariff Threats

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has announced a bold plan to retaliate against U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs. Speaking at the Rural Ontario Municipal Association Conference, Ford said he directed the LCBO to remove U.S. alcohol if Trump implements a 25% tariff on Canadian goods.

Ford’s Retaliation Plan

Ford emphasized Ontario’s position as the world’s largest purchaser of alcohol. “They will feel the pain,” he said, referring to the economic impact on U.S. producers. He also urged other Canadian premiers to take similar actions.

Ford recalled previous disputes, noting the sensitivity of targeting American bourbon. “Bourbon is a serious business in Kentucky. We used it before, and we’ll use it again,” Ford said.

Public Reactions Split

Reactions among Ontario residents were mixed. Outside an LCBO, some shoppers expressed concern. Joe Brydge called it a potential loss, saying, “It would be horrid because I enjoy the variety here.”

Others supported Ford’s stance. Mark Flynn, an LCBO customer, stated, “It wouldn’t bother me. This creates more room for Canadian products.”

Agriculture Industry Concerns

The agriculture sector is closely monitoring the situation. Drew Spoelstra, President of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, highlighted the potential consequences.

“About 60% of our agricultural goods are exported, with 95% from the greenhouse sector,” Spoelstra explained. The uncertainty has already prompted farmers to pre-purchase supplies like fertilizer and fuel to avoid future price hikes.

Farmers also face challenges beyond tariffs, including extreme weather and market risks. Spoelstra warned that this adds “another layer of complexity” to an already volatile industry.

Trump’s Trade Policies Under Review

Trump has directed U.S. agencies to study trade deficits before implementing tariffs. This review could delay decisions, leaving Canadian businesses in limbo.

Ontario’s government estimates that a 25% tariff could cost the province up to 500,000 jobs. Ford has stated that any substantial economic response may require billions in spending and a fresh public mandate.

What’s Next?

Ford’s approach reflects a strong message to the U.S. while rallying Canadian provinces to prepare countermeasures. Meanwhile, businesses and consumers wait for clarity as Trump’s administration reviews its trade policies.

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More…

• https://www.ctvnews.ca/ottawa/article/they-will-feel-the-pain-doug-ford-targets-us-alcohol-amid-trump-tariff-threats
• https://globalnews.ca/news/10967609/lcbo-donald-trump-doug-ford
• https://www.overheretoronto.com/doug-ford-signals-early-ontario-election-amid-trumps-tariff-threats