Despite U.S. President Donald Trump's apparent decision to delay imposing tariffs on Canadian goods, Ontario Premier Doug Ford said Monday he believes a trade war is coming — and that he needs a "clear mandate" from voters to wage it.

Ontario has warned it will ban the sale of US alcohol if President Trump proceeds with plans to slap a 25% tariff on Canadian imports.

Canada’s outgoing prime minister and the leader of the country’s oil rich province of Alberta are confident Canada can avoid the 25% tariffs President Donald Trump says he will impose on Canada and Mexico on Feb.

Trump retook the Oval Office on Monday afternoon and has long threatened to introduce a 25% tariff on all Canadian and Mexican imports, unless both countries secure their borders against illegal migrants and drugs, on the first day of his administration.

The Ontario premier’s dire prediction comes as he and other provincial and territorial leaders meet Wednesday in Ottawa with Justin Trudeau.

Premier Doug Ford is proposing a closer relationship with the U.S. when it comes to critical minerals while at the same time boasting that the province won’t “roll over” should president-elect Donald Trump follow through on his threatened tariffs upon taking office next week.

Premier Doug Ford, who signalled he needs a mandate to keep Ontario’s economy afloat after U.S. tariffs hit, is looking at sending voters to the polls on Feb. 27 or March 6.