Doug Ford Fast-Tracks Waste Plants After Trump Tariffs

Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced plans to fast-track the development of domestic landfills and waste-to-energy incinerators to counter new U.S. trade barriers. The move follows a decision by President Donald Trump to impose a 50 per cent tariff on waste exported from Ontario to Michigan.

Ontario currently exports more than 40 per cent of its commercial waste to the United States. Ford stated the province must recalibrate its strategy, citing European models of turning waste into energy as a blueprint for the province. He described the transition as moving "from trash to cash."

While the Progressive Conservative government recently introduced legislation to address landfill shortages, the plan faces opposition. Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner argued that the government has accelerated the garbage crisis by dismantling recycling programs and ignoring waste reduction efforts.