Ontario’s $100 million satellite internet deal remains dead, and Premier Doug Ford’s limits on American suppliers are still tied to U.S. tariffs as new trade moves unfold.
Tamrah News Desk | October 26, 2026
The Ontario Starlink contract remains cancelled, and Premier Doug Ford’s restrictions on American suppliers remain linked to U.S. tariffs, according to CBC News and BetaKit. Ford announced both measures in March 2025 as a response to President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Canadian goods. The wider Canada US trade war is still unresolved, and the White House changed its list of tariffed Canadian goods on October 23, CTV News reported.
What Doug Ford Announced and When
BetaKit reported that Ford told a press conference Ontario would cancel its $100 million Starlink contract and bar American companies from provincial procurement.
“It’s done, it’s gone,”
Ford said, according to BetaKit. He said the province spends about $30 billion a year on procurement.
CBC reported that Ford had first threatened to cancel the contract in February, and that he also barred American companies from bidding on work under his $200 billion infrastructure plan. BetaKit noted that Ford said contracts would not go to companies that encourage economic attacks on Canada. The Doug Ford Starlink decision was therefore both a business and a political move.
How the Ontario Starlink Contract Was Formally Ended
CBC reported that the province signed the deal in November 2024 to connect about 15,000 eligible homes and businesses in rural, remote and northern communities. BetaKit later reported that Ontario confirmed the cancellation and paid an undisclosed break fee. A senior government source told Global News the fee was well below the $100 million contract value, BetaKit said.
CBC reported that the province would not say what the exit cost taxpayers, and that a government official named Lecce said alternatives would be brought forward. Ford also told Global News the cancellation is permanent even if tariffs are removed, according to a BetaKit update.
What the Ontario Procurement Ban Actually Covers
Law firm Fasken reported that Ontario issued its Procurement Restriction Policy in April 2025, applying it retroactively to March 4, 2025. The Ontario Society of Professional Engineers said it covers all new purchases regardless of value, and that the province would reassess it if U.S. tariffs are lifted.
The ban on U.S. companies is narrower than first described. BetaKit reported that it does not apply to firms with more than 250 Canadian workers. Fasken also listed exceptions for urgent situations.
What It Means for Starlink Canada Users
CBC reported that the cancellation does not affect people who already subscribe to Starlink. New Democrat MPP Sol Mamakwa told CBC it leaves remote Indigenous communities with fewer connection options. The cancelled program applied only to the government contract.
Where Does the Canada US Trade War Stand Now?
NBC News reported that talks collapsed in August, after which the Trump administration imposed 50 per cent tariffs on many Canadian goods and Prime Minister Mark Carney said Canada would match them dollar for dollar. CTV News reported that Canada’s counter tariffs now cover $27.6 billion in American imports. 4
On October 23, CTV said the White House removed seaweed, packing boxes and some plywood from the 50 per cent list and added cocoa powder, vinyl flooring and shampoos, effective at the end of the month. Trump said Canada was working hard to reach a deal, CTV reported. Carney said Canada
“could sign it this afternoon”
if Washington were ready, per CTV. Trade lawyer Barry Appleton told CTV the overall tariff policy remains the same.
Ford and Carney Announce Support for Ontario Industry
Business Standard, citing PTI, reported that Carney and Ford announced an 8.7 billion Canadian dollar plan on October 21 to support steelmakers, automakers and critical minerals in Ontario. Ford said Canada’s relationship with the United States
“has changed permanently,”
Business Standard reported.
What Happens Next
CTV sources said Canadian officials have not ruled out a quick trade deal before the U.S. midterm elections, though hope is faint. CP24 reported in August that Ford would not support removing Ontario’s retaliatory measures without a deal giving significant relief to workers and businesses.
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Conclusion
The Ontario Starlink contract shows how far Doug Ford Starlink politics reached into provincial spending. The Ontario procurement ban, the Canada US trade war, Trump tariffs on Canada and Canada counter tariffs remain linked. Readers asking about Starlink Canada service should note that private subscriptions were never affected.
