Half a million people could lose their jobs in Canada's most populous province, Ontario, if US President-elect Donald Trump decides to impose a 25% tariff on all Canadian goods.
This was stated to reporters by the premier of Canada's largest province, Ontario, Doug Ford.
“Trump's tariffs could cost us 500,000 jobs. This is serious. This is unprecedented“, said the head of the region, specifying that such figures were given to him by members of his cabinet after conducting the relevant analysis. Ford added that all Canadians will be affected by these tariffs, “even if they think they won't affect their industry, they will be indirectly affected by them.“
Ford previously promised that Canada would stop supplying electricity and energy resources to the United States if Trump carried out his intentions for the tariffs. Canada exports about 60% of its oil, as well as 85% of its electricity to the United States. Ontario is home to more than 14 million people.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's office announced Tuesday that he will hold a meeting with the leaders of all Canadian regions about this situation on January 20-21.
The United States, Mexico and Canada are bound by a trilateral agreement that includes the creation of a free trade area between these countries. However, on November 25, Trump announced that on his first day as president he would impose a 25% tariff on all goods from Canada and Mexico in connection with illegal migration and drug smuggling.