Ontario, Canada’s most populous province and economic hub, has announced a sweeping ban on US companies bidding for government contracts worth tens of billions of dollars in response to American tariffs.
Premier Doug Ford made the statement on Monday in a post on X, stating that the province was taking a firm stand against what he described as unfair US trade policies.
As part of the measures, Ford revealed that Ontario was terminating a C$100 million (US$68 million) contract with Elon Musk’s Starlink, which was signed in November 2024 to provide internet services to 15,000 homes and businesses in remote northern areas of the province.
“This is a direct response to US tariffs that are hurting Canadian businesses and workers. We will not sit back and allow this unfair treatment to continue,” Ford stated.
The ban effectively prevents US companies from bidding on critical infrastructure and government procurement projects, marking a significant shift in Ontario’s trade policy. The move is expected to impact sectors such as construction, telecommunications, and technology, where US firms have traditionally been key players.
Ford emphasized that the province would explore alternative partnerships with Canadian and international providers to complete the broadband expansion project in Ontario’s remote regions.
The decision comes amid rising trade tensions between Canada and the United States. Ontario is positioning itself to protect local businesses and jobs from the economic fallout of the tariffs.
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cc: Daily Post Ng
