Ontario, Canada’s most populous province, has banned US companies from bidding on tens of billions of dollars in government contracts and scrapped a major deal with Elon Musk’s Starlink in response to new US tariffs.
Premier Doug Ford made the announcement on Monday, stating that Ontario “won’t do business with people hellbent on destroying our economy.” He blamed US President Donald Trump for the fallout, saying American companies would lose significant revenue opportunities due to the ban.
As part of the move, Ford said he was terminating a Can$100 million (US$68 million) contract with Starlink, which was set to provide internet access to 15,000 homes and businesses in northern Ontario starting in June.
Ontario’s liquor stores have also begun pulling US-made beer, wine, and spirits from shelves. Other provinces, including Quebec, Nova Scotia, and British Columbia, are reportedly taking similar action.
The Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO), one of the world’s largest alcohol buyers, sells nearly Can$1 billion worth of US alcohol annually, covering about 3,600 products.
Trump, who recently announced 25% tariffs on Canadian imports, spoke with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Monday. The two leaders are expected to discuss the matter further as tensions escalate over trade policies.
