Who is Doug Ford? Canadians in awe of Ontario premier battling Donald Trump’s tariffs and defending Canada’s economic interests

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has promised to fight back against Donald Trump's steep tariffs on Canadian goods and energy. The leader of Ontario, who won reelection last week, has earned the nickname "Captain Canada" for his bold opposition to Donald Trump's policies.

He has threatened to impose retaliatory tariffs on the United States. Ford is positioning himself as Canada's staunchest defender in the escalating trade war, threatening to halt power exports and banning alcohol from the United States.

He has been dubbed "Captain Canada" and has promised to oppose US tariffs against his nation. "Canada will never be the 51st state, and Canada is not for sale," he declared in his victory speech following his rare re-election last week.

Who is "Captain Canada" Doug Ford?

The Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario is led by Doug Ford, who is in charge of Ontario, the most populous province in Canada.

After his late brother Rob's cancer diagnosis forced him to drop out of the 2014 Toronto mayoral race, the conservative politician entered politics.

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Ford set a higher goal despite losing the bid, and in 2018 he won a majority to become the premier of Ontario. Last Thursday, February 27, he secured a legislative majority and won the premiership of Ontario for the third time in a row. This accomplishment has never been accomplished by an Ontario leader before, as per a report by First Post.

Ford's family owned a label company, and his father was also a politician. Ford was a Toronto city councilor prior to taking office as Ontario's leader.

Is ‘Captain Canada’ a vengeful leader?

According to The Guardian, his detractors claim he governs like a "vengeful leader" and harbors resentment toward Toronto, which has never backed him.

Ford has successfully won over voters from a variety of political backgrounds, including wealthy, pro-business individuals and some unions while alienating supporters of progressive parties.

Ford has mostly disregarded that strategy in a time of extreme political polarization, particularly from party leaders.

Ford, who has now positioned himself against Donald Trump to defend Canada's interests in the trade war, ironically faced comparisons to the president during his first campaign for prime minister.

What are Ford’s biggest threats against the U.S.?

If Donald Trump's high tariffs against Canada continue, Ontario Premier Doug Ford has threatened to cut off the US power supply.

The day before President Trump's 25% tariffs on Canadian imports and 10% tariff on Canadian energy went into effect, he issued his warning on Monday, March 3. Ford said that Canadian electricity exports to New York, Michigan, and Minnesota would be subject to a 25% surcharge, as quoted in a report by First Post.

Ford even called a snap election in January to protest the expensive tariffs imposed by the US on Canada. He declared that Ontario would impose matching tariffs on the United States in retaliation.


Ford cancelled a $100 million agreement with Elon Musk's Starlink internet provider, prohibited US businesses from bidding on infrastructure projects in Ontario, and took US alcohol off the Liquor Control Board of Ontario's (LCBO) shelves following the imposition of US tariffs on Tuesday. He also urged other Canadian provinces' premiers to do the same.

Ford has not yet stated when he intends to enact the proposed electricity tariff, which could raise costs in some US regions.

However, experts believe his influence in the global trade conflict may be limited.

FAQs

Why is Doug Ford threatening to cut off electricity in the United States?
He intends to retaliate against Trump's tariffs on Canadian goods and energy, saying Ontario will not stand by while the United States imposes economic hardship.

What other actions did Doug Ford take?
He banned American alcohol from Ontario liquor stores, canceled a deal with Starlink, and urged other provinces to impose similar trade restrictions.