Ontario premier rips up contract with Starlink over U.S. tariffs

On February 3, 2025, in Ontario, Canada, Doug Ford, the Premier of the province, announced the cancellation of a $100 million contract with Elon Musk's Starlink internet services. This decision was made as a direct response to sweeping tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump on Canadian goods, which Ford condemned as harmful to Canada's economy. Ford articulated that Ontario would not engage with American companies that threaten local economic stability, emphasizing a commitment to use Canadian products and resources in all provincial contracts. He expressed frustration over the U.S. tariffs, stating they act as a tax on American citizens rather than a legitimate economic strategy. Ford articulated a resilient stance against the U.S., declaring that Canada is ready to withstand the conflict initiated by American trade policies. He also highlighted a broader vision for Ontario's economy, underscoring that all government projects should prioritize local Ontario and Canadian products above American alternatives. This statement sparked discussions about national trade relationships and the implications of ongoing tariff disputes, as well as the resulting economic teamwork emphasized by the provincial government. Overall, Ford's announcement represents a significant shift in Ontario's procuring practices amidst expanding trade tensions between Canada and the United States, which have seen retaliation from Canada against U.S. tariffs in recent months. The sentiment within Canada reflects a collective resistance against perceived economic aggression from the U.S. government, suggesting further complexities in cross-border trade relations going forward.