Ontario cancels $100 million Starlink contract over US tariffs

In response to U.S. tariffs imposed on Canadian goods, Ontario canceled its contract with Starlink for high-speed internet, which was valued at C$100 million. This decision was announced by Stephen Lecce, the province's minister of energy and mines, during a news conference in Toronto. The original contract, signed in November 2022, aimed to provide high-speed internet access to approximately 15,000 homes and businesses located in remote areas of Ontario. Premier Doug Ford had criticized U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs and threatened to terminate the agreement as a means of retaliating against the trade penalties. The cancellation reflects Ontario’s strong position during ongoing trade negotiations between Canada and the U.S., especially considering the looming August 1 deadline. Lecce confirmed that the province is indeed standing up for its interests while not disclosing any potential costs related to the cancellation of the contract. Additionally, Lecce highlighted further measures being taken by Ontario against U.S. interests, which included disallowing U.S. companies from bidding on government contracts and removing U.S.-made alcoholic beverages from retail shelves. The province aims to reduce its dependency on U.S. goods and services, and the cancellation of this contract underscores the growing tensions in the Canada-U.S. trade relationship. As negotiations develop, leaders in Ontario remain focused on safeguarding the province's economic interests and enhancing broadband accessibility for its citizens.