Ontario’s Premier announced on Monday that the province would be canceling its contract with Elon Musk’s Starlink internet service, citing U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Canada as the main reason. A senior Canadian government official also expressed doubt about Canada’s ability to avoid the upcoming tariffs, unlike Mexico, which was able to postpone them. The official, who requested anonymity, noted that Canada’s situation is more uncertain as the terms of the tariffs seem to shift more frequently for them compared to Mexico.
Meanwhile, Trump and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum agreed to delay planned tariffs for a month in order to allow for further negotiations. This agreement was confirmed by the White House. Trump also mentioned on social media that he had spoken with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau earlier that day and planned to have another conversation with him later. Both Canada and Mexico had prepared to impose retaliatory tariffs, but Mexico has decided to hold off for now.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced that, in addition to canceling the contract with Elon Musk’s Starlink, he would also be preventing American companies from securing contracts in the province. In November, Ford’s government signed a CA$100 million ($68 million) deal with Musk’s company to provide high-speed internet to remote and northern communities in Ontario.
Premier Doug Ford stated that Ontario would be canceling its contract with Starlink, emphasizing that the province wouldn’t work with companies that are harming its economy. He pointed the blame at President Trump, suggesting that maybe Elon Musk could talk to his “buddy” about the situation. Ford warned that U.S.-based businesses could miss out on “tens of billions of dollars” in revenue due to Ontario’s actions. He further declared that Ontario would avoid using American companies, insisting that any projects, whether it’s building a hospital or something as small as a doghouse, would use Canadian and Ontario-made products, like steel and wood.
Premier Doug Ford emphasized that Ontario would prioritize purchasing Canadian-made products, no matter how small, even something as simple as a toothpick. He reiterated that Ontario and other provinces were already planning to remove American liquor brands from government shelves, noting that the Liquor Control Board of Ontario sells nearly CA$1 billion ($687 million) worth of American alcoholic beverages each year.
Ford stated that while Canada didn’t initiate the trade conflict with the U.S., the country is prepared to fight back and win. He also pointed out that he wanted a four-year mandate that would outlast President Trump’s term. Ford questioned why American citizens haven’t identified Canada as the issue, despite Trump’s actions.
In response to the U.S. tariffs, Canada and Mexico imposed retaliatory tariffs on American goods. Ford encouraged Canadian businesses to prominently display the Canadian flag on their products, making it easier for consumers to support local goods. He also criticized President Trump for imposing taxes that he said harm American citizens and businesses. Ford called Elon Musk part of Trump’s team that aims to damage families’ incomes and businesses, stressing that he wouldn’t stand for it.
On Sunday, President Trump responded by criticizing Canada’s trade surplus with the United States, claiming that without it, Canada wouldn’t be a viable country. He described this as “harsh but true,” and suggested that Canada should become the 51st U.S. state. Trump argued that this would lead to lower taxes, better military protection for Canadians, and the elimination of tariffs.