Ontario Premier Doug Ford has once again promised to cancel the province’s $100 million contract with Elon Musk’s Starlink, citing the recent imposition of U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods as the primary driver behind the decision.
The contract, signed in November last year to provide internet services to remote areas of Ontario, now faces renewed scrutiny as the long-threatened Trump tariffs have officially gone into effect. These tariffs impose a 25 percent duty on most Canadian goods and a 10 percent duty on energy exports. Ford, a former supporter of President Trump, warned that if the tariffs persist, Ontario might be forced to impose its own 25 percent surcharge on electricity exports to the United States—a measure that could affect over 1.5 million U.S. residents in Michigan, New York, and Minnesota. “We need to be ready to dig in for a long fight,” Ford said, according to the Toronto Sun.
In addition to the potential cancellation of the Starlink deal, Ford has floated other measures, including surcharges on mineral exports and even the possibility of cutting off electricity to U.S. customers if negotiations fail. The situation underscores the escalating tensions in North American trade relations, with Canadian officials also taking steps on other fronts. Ontario’s primary liquor wholesaler, the LCBO, has confirmed plans to stop purchasing U.S.-made alcohol, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced that Canada will introduce retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods.
Trudeau criticized the U.S. action during a news conference, stating, “Today the US launched a trade war against Canada, their closest ally and their closest friend. At the same time, they're talking about working positively with Russia, appeasing Vladimir Putin—a lying, murderous dictator. Make that make sense.” Trudeau also suggested that Trump’s tariff measures might be aimed at weakening the Canadian economy, but asserted that “Canada will never be the 51st state.”
Meanwhile, in a related development, the Federal Aviation Administration has announced a partnership with SpaceX to install Starlink terminals at various airports and is reportedly seeking funding for additional Starlink projects—a move that comes as Ontario debates its contract cancellation.
Ontario’s Ministry of Infrastructure has been contacted for further details regarding the cancellation of the Starlink deal, and additional updates are expected as the situation evolves.
The Iranian Health Ministry said at least 18 people were killed and 142 others injured in U.S. airstrikes carried out between 30 August 30 and 2 Se...
Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that he thinks there is a chance of a peace being reached with Ukraine. He told ...
Hua Hong Semiconductor, China's second-largest contract chipmaker, is investing $2 billion to build a new fabrication plant in Wuxi, China as p...
Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that he thinks there is a chance of a peace being reached with Ukraine. He told the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Russia that he believed there was "a chance of finding a solution," to the conflict.
The U.S. has launched a fresh wave of strikes on Iran, targeting Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) sites as Tehran retaliated against U.S. positions across the region, while Iranian officials said at least five people were killed and dozens wounded at a wedding near Sirik.
The Iranian Health Ministry said at least 18 people were killed and 142 others injured in U.S. airstrikes carried out between 30 August 30 and 2 September.
The European Union's foreign policy chief Kaia Kallas says the bloc will tighten enforcement of sanctions against Russia over its war in Ukraine. EU foreign ministers were meeting in Ireland following renewed Russian strikes on cities across Ukraine.
Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for the 3rd of September, covering the latest developments.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that he thinks there is a chance of a peace being reached with Ukraine. He told the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Russia that he believed there was "a chance of finding a solution," to the conflict.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has rejected claims that Moroccan authorities orchestrated July’s deadly mass border crossing into Ceuta, saying Spain has found no evidence that Rabat planned or carried out the incident.
Denmark’s Security and Intelligence Service, PET, has warned that Russia is actively preparing sabotage operations against targets in the country, with defence companies supporting Ukraine seen as a particular focus.
Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan have agreed to raise bilateral trade to $200 million within two years, as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif concluded a three-day visit to Kyrgyzstan.
The latest escalation between the United States and Iran is being fought not only on the ground and at sea, but increasingly in the skies above the Gulf where a missile launch or intercepted drone can force an aircraft thousands of metres above the region to change course.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment