How Premier Ford can stop Trump from driving over Ontario

How Premier Ford can stop Trump from driving over Ontario

In response to President Trump’s 25 percent tariffs on cars and auto parts crossing the border, Premier Ford stated:

“We’re going to make sure that we inflict as much pain as possible to the American people without inflicting pain on the Canadian population.”

We have some ideas for our Premier:

Start by ripping up the costly GE-Hitachi contract for four nuclear reactors and, while you’re at it, rip up the contract with Urenco for enriched uranium imports to fuel these American-designed reactors. Why pay for expensive American nuclear technology when we can expand renewable energy right here in Ontario and work with our provincial neighbours to create a northern green energy powerhouse that supplies abundant low-cost power to our businesses and homes?

Then reduce the need to import dirty American fracked gas for electricity generation by removing the moratorium on offshore wind power in the Great Lakesand by tripling our supply of made-in-Ontario solar and wind power by 2035. Put solar panels on parking lots, rooftops and landfills or other contaminated sites. Get communities onboard with local wind projects by properly sharing benefits. Make the most of opportunities in one the world’s fastest growing industries (despite Trump). 

Finally, help Ontarians get dirty American fracked gas out of their homes by supporting the installation of super efficient cold climate heat pumps. Direct our electric utilities (e.g., Toronto Hydro, Hydro One) to provide no-money-down, zero-interest, on-bill financing to help Ontario homeowners and home builders install heat pumps for heating and cooling.

Under our plan, Ontarians get lower electricity costs, more jobs and reduced exposure to erratic American whims – like the President suddenly deciding to block gas or enriched uranium exports. The Americans get nothing but pain: no sales of their untried nuclear technology and lower sales of their fracked gas from places like Pennsylvania and Ohio.

We think bolstering Ontario’s energy independence while sending a strong message to President Trump is a great way to respond. Send your own message to Premier Ford, Energy Minister Lecce, party leaders and your MPP calling for Made-in-Ontario renewable energy.

Thanks for helping protect Ontario. Please pass this bulletin onto your friends. 

Angela Bischoff, Director