In a whirlwind of events, Ontario’s government first scrapped then reinstated a massive $68 million deal with Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet service. The initial decision came Monday as tensions flared over new U.S. tariffs on Canadian imports—an issue Ontario Premier Doug Ford publicly blamed on Musk and former President Donald Trump.

Ford took to social media, declaring the province would “rip up” the contract, a move that seemed to be a direct response to Trump’s 25% tariff on Canadian goods. However, just hours later, the premier backtracked after Trump agreed to delay the tariffs for 30 days. This pause followed concessions from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, including plans to bolster border security.

Ford’s frustration was palpable. In a fiery press conference, he accused Musk, a close ally of Trump, of being part of an effort to “destroy families, incomes, and businesses.” He also announced plans to bar U.S. companies from future provincial contracts unless the tariffs are removed. “U.S.-based businesses will now lose out on tens of billions of dollars in new revenues,” Ford said. “They only have President Trump to blame.”

The Starlink deal, signed in November 2024, aims to bring high-speed internet to remote areas of Ontario. Musk’s role in the Trump administration—overseeing a team focused on cutting government spending and deregulation—added fuel to the political fire.

Starlink has yet to comment on the situation. For now, the deal stands, but the episode highlights how trade disputes can ripple into unexpected places—even the skies above Ontario.

This article was updated to clarify the contract’s value in CAD and to reflect the latest developments on Monday.